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Power, Certainty & Law

"Munro's people don't forsee the consequences of their actions, but still have to live with them." - The Independent.

While power is exerted through sexuality and gender politics, it is also exerted through the bureaucracy and legislative system. Additionally, the theme of certainty and uncertainty is important as it shows that every character has doubts about the extent of magic. Characters also have doubts about the system of prosecuting witches. For example, Janet widely accepts being a witch until it leads to her burning. Later, Douglas and Niall express surprise about the witch-burning actually happening. Helen is also in shock that they would actually kill her mother. 

Examples

JANET. I've never met the Devil, Elspeth.

ROSS. No fire will burn or no one cares to light one?

NIALL. Douglas Begg is... he'll be easier if he knows we've spoken.

ROSS. And after we've spoken? What should happen then, minister?

NIALL. Well... that's not... I mean, I couldn't say...

ROSS. Because the law is clear.

NIALL. Of course, of course... but she's not... I mean, she's not really a witch as such just...

NIALL. And he said, and there were tears in those eyes when he said it, Janet... he said... "Then the law of God is clear, Niall, and the law of man is clear... and the best help you can be to that poor body is to bring her to true understanding and remorse of what she's done..."

JANET. What are you waiting for? Why don't you kill me?

ROSS. I'm an officer of the law, Janet. It wouldn't be legal. Confess you renounced your baptism. Confess you took the Devil as your master and then we'll make an end.

HELEN. But he won't kill her. He won't. How would anyone let him?

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