Belief in Superstitions and Witchcraft/Motif

This novel is set in the early 1600s, at a time when there were emerging scientific discoveries. In spite of the discoveries, most people offered up supernatural explanations, even for everyday events. Most of the characters of this novel believe in signs and superstitions to varying degrees. As a motif, superstitions about the existence of witchcraft are at the center of the story.

Katharina lived the first few years of her life in Eltingen before moving to Leonberg. She says she has nothing against the people of Eltingen, but she cites the River Glems as evidence there is something wrong there. She notes that the river flows “comfortably” through most areas but “makes an uneasy turn at Eltingen, growing more narrow and vicious” (22). The rough river, according to Katharina, creates a “disturbed atmosphere” that she even recognized as a child. She...