The Witches of Eastwick
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 First trade edition cover |
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| Author | John Updike |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Knopf |
| Released | April 12, 1984 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover and Paperback) |
| Pages | 320 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 0394537602 |
The Witches of Eastwick is a 1984 novel by John Updike.
Contents |
[edit] Plot summary
The story, set in the fictional Rhode Island town of Eastwick, is based around the magical abilities and personal growth of the witches Alexandra Spofford, Jane Smart, and Sukie Rougemont. Initially their power is minor, but expands to involve the summoning of a devil-like character, Daryl Van Horne. The mysterious Daryl seduces each of the women in turn, teaching them how to further their powers and creating a scandal in the town. The women come to realise that Daryl is corrupting them and the town, and resolve to exile him from their lives.
[edit] Literary significance & criticism
Some have expressed concern that the book may be misogynistic, as it seems to reinforce the patriarchal conception of women as witches, and of women requiring a man for personal growth; others believe that the book may be more of a satire of such ideas.[1]
Celebrity Big Brother 2007 contestants Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara were nicknamed the "Bitches of Eastwick" and "Witches of Elstree" by the British media due to their apparent racist bullying of fellow housemate and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.
[edit] Film, TV or theatrical adaptations
- In 1987, the novel was adapted into a film starring Jack Nicholson as Daryl, Cher as Alexandra, Susan Sarandon as Jane and Michelle Pfeiffer as Sukie.
- In 2000, the novel was adapted into a stage musical by John Dempsey and Dana P. Rowe.
[edit] References
- ^ Kiera Tara O'Brien. The witching hour: Halloween chick flicks. Digs Magazine. Retrieved on February 25, 2007.
