A Sorceress Comes to Call

“None of the schoolbooks had a sample for when your mother had done something terrible to your friend’s father.”

This quote illustrates Cordelia’s overwhelming sense of helplessness in an abusive situation. It underscores her feeling of isolation as she faces a reality that isn’t reflected in her education or societal expectations. The absence of guidance for such a complex emotional crisis leaves her feeling trapped and unsure of how to navigate the moral implications of her mother’s actions. Cordelia’s struggle emphasizes the challenges of confronting familial betrayal, highlighting the inadequacies in support systems for survivors of abuse.

“She’d known that she would have to save her brother from Doom’s clutches. That was, if not easy, at least a straightforward enough task. But it was beginning to look as if she was going to have to extract Doom’s own daughter as well, and that was a far more complicated proposition.”

Hester’s determination to save both her brother and Evangeline’s daughter, Cordelia, showcases her bravery and compassion. Initially, rescuing her brother seems like a straightforward task, but the realization that she must also help Cordelia complicates her mission. This shift in focus emphasizes Hester’s empathy; she understands Cordelia’s victimization and feels a moral obligation to protect her. Hester’s willingness to confront the challenges posed by Evangeline demonstrates her strength and courage, as she is committed to defending not only her family but also a girl trapped in a cycle of manipulation.

“Her room was such an unexpected oasis that she did not want her mother coming into it if she could help it. It felt safe and Cordelia knew that it would only feel that way so long as Evangeline did not set foot within it.”

Cordelia’s room symbolizes her refuge from Evangeline’s oppressive control, embodying her longing for safety and autonomy as she contemplates Finding Agency in Abusive Situations. The phrase “unexpected oasis” captures the stark contrast between her turbulent home life and the solace she finds in her personal space. This sanctuary allows her to momentarily escape her mother’s manipulation and emotional turmoil. However, the conditional nature of this safety—she can “only feel that way so long as Evangeline d[oes] not set foot within it”—highlights the ever-present threat of her mother’s influence. Cordelia’s awareness of this vulnerability reflects her internal struggle for agency, revealing how her sense of security is intimately tied to the boundaries she can maintain against Evangeline’s invasive presence.

“Perhaps neither she nor Alice counted. That seemed unfair. She had never counted for much, but it seemed as if Alice ought to. Anyone who could stand up to Evangeline, even so politely, counted for a great deal.”

Cordelia’s self-doubt is palpable in this quote, revealing her struggle with self-worth and The Search for Identity amidst her mother’s oppressive influence. The phrase “had never counted for much” underscores her feelings of insignificance and inadequacy, suggesting that she often sees herself as a mere extension of Evangeline’s will. In contrast, her recognition of Alice’s bravery speaks volumes about Cordelia’s character: Despite her own low self-esteem, she holds deep respect and admiration for those who demonstrate courage. The line “Anyone who could stand up to Evangeline, even so politely, counted for a great deal” illustrates Cordelia’s ability to value loyalty and strength in others, even when she cannot see those qualities within herself.

“It’s because she can’t take it out on anyone. She always gets angry and does something, but she’s not allowed to do anything here, not yet, because it might draw attention.”

This quote highlights how abusers often externalize their emotions, reflecting a build-up of frustration that they channel into an unhealthy outlet. The phrase “she can’t take it out on anyone” suggests that Evangeline’s anger is a volatile force restrained by her environment, indicating her need to maintain control and appearances. The notion that her actions “might draw attention” reveals her awareness of consequences, showcasing how abusers adapt their behavior based on their surroundings. This insight into Evangeline illustrates the insidious nature of abuse, where internal turmoil is displaced onto vulnerable individuals, perpetuating a cycle of harm that often goes unnoticed.

“And part of her—a tiny part that she had never quite lost—wanted to be there and wanted it all to be true so that her mother would love her and maybe things would change […] She watched that part of herself dispassionately, as if it belonged to someone else. She knew better.”

This quote reveals the complex emotional landscape of survivors of abuse, highlighting the persistent hope for love and validation from their abuser. Cordelia’s desire for her mother’s affection, despite the harm that Evangeline causes, illustrates how a survivor often clings to the belief that their abuser can change. Cordelia’s recognition that she “knew better” underscores the painful truth that survivors often grapple with: the understanding that love from an abuser is conditional and that true change is unlikely. This internal struggle reflects the deep psychological scars that abuse leaves behind, complicating the path toward Finding Agency in Abusive Situations.

“It was a strange reflection that, like Hester turning the cuffs of her gowns, you were somehow allowed to be poorer if you were rich than if you were actually poor.”

Kingfisher employs subtle satire to critique societal norms surrounding wealth and class distinctions. It reveals an ironic acceptance of this double standard, suggesting that the affluent can exhibit signs of financial strain without facing judgment, while genuine poverty attracts scrutiny. This critique exposes the absurdity of social status and invites the reader to question the fairness of societal expectations based on economic standing.

“Her only hope was to stay absolutely still and pray that her mother forgot she even had a daughter.”

Cordelia experiences a profound sense of helplessness and passivity in the face of her mother’s oppressive control. By resorting to the desperate hope that Evangeline might simply forget her existence, Cordelia reveals the extent of her fear and vulnerability. This desire to remain unnoticed highlights her internalized belief that her safety hinges on her mother’s attention—attention that can be both nurturing and dangerously manipulative. The image of Cordelia remaining “absolutely still” encapsulates her struggle against Evangeline’s dominance, showcasing the psychological toll of living under constant threat.

“Such is the problem of beauty. Once it is imperfect, the admiration it has won you is at an end.”

This statement characterizes Penelope’s struggle with societal beauty standards, illustrating how her smallpox scars diminish the admiration she once received. It satirizes the superficial nature of beauty by suggesting that any imperfection negates worth and societal validation, reflecting the harsh realities faced by women who are often judged primarily on their appearance. This notion critiques the relentless pursuit of unattainable beauty ideals, revealing how they can strip individuals of their value and self-esteem. Penelope’s acceptance of her scars as part of her identity highlights her resilience and how she embraces Challenging Traditional Roles and Expectations, yet the societal pressure she faces underscores the cruel implications of these beauty standards for personal worth.

“There is nothing that I can do to stop my mother from killing anyone who gets in her way.”

Cordelia’s reflection illustrates Evangeline’s overwhelming power and the fear she instills in Cordelia, highlighting the daughter’s sense of helplessness in the face of her mother’s ruthlessness. Cordelia’s acknowledgment of her inability to intervene underscores the extent of Evangeline’s control, suggesting that her mother’s manipulations extend far beyond familial bonds to encompass life-and-death stakes. Additionally, the ominous tone of the statement foreshadows Evangeline’s eventual downfall, hinting that her tyrannical hold on those around her may ultimately lead to her own destruction and setting the stage for a confrontation that could shift the power dynamics between them.

“She had not been happy there, but she had only had herself to worry about. Worrying about other people was becoming exhausting.”

This reflection reveals Cordelia’s internal struggle as she grapples with the weight of her growing responsibilities and the emotional toll that caring for others exacts upon her. The contrast between her past solitude and her current situation highlights her transition from an isolated existence to one filled with complex interpersonal dynamics, illustrating her desire for connection even as it brings exhaustion. This acknowledgment underscores the theme of Finding Agency in Abusive Situations, as Cordelia recognizes that her relationships compel her to confront difficult realities. Her statement captures the tension between longing for companionship and the burden of emotional labor, emphasizing the challenges she faces in balancing her own well-being with the needs of those around her.

“The problem with being rich is that you simply have no idea how expensive it is to be poor.”

Kingfisher critiques the disconnect between the wealthy and the poor, highlighting the absurdity of wealth inequality. This reflects the theme of Challenging Traditional Roles and Expectations, as it questions societal norms that often place wealth on a pedestal while disregarding the struggles of those less fortunate. The irony embedded in this remark exposes the superficiality of wealth and challenges perceptions of economic status, emphasizing the need for empathy and awareness in discussions about social class and privilege.

“Richard, old? How could that happen? It was a few lines of silver, nothing more. He can’t be this old. It must just be exhaustion from a hard ride, that’s all.”

Hester’s reaction to Richard’s aging reveals her insecurities about her own worth in relation to societal expectations regarding beauty and age. She dismisses the signs of aging in Richard, attributing them to mere exhaustion, which reflects her fear of becoming undesirable as she grows older. This internal conflict highlights the absurdity of the perception that women’s value decreases with age, while men are often celebrated for their experience and maturity. Kingfisher uses Hester’s struggle to criticize these traditional roles, emphasizing that true worth transcends superficial appearances and should be measured by one’s character and experiences.

“Meeting someone a few times, a few days apart, and then they would go to a church and after that they lived together? Forever?”

This remark satirizes traditional marriage by highlighting how a lifelong partnership is sometimes based on limited interactions. Cordelia’s perspective, as a 14-year-old who is uninterested in the institution of marriage, underscores the disconnect between societal expectations and her personal feelings. Her incredulity at the concept of a hasty union reflects her youthful skepticism and desire for autonomy, Challenging Traditional Roles and Expectations that suggest that marriage is the ultimate goal for women.

“She is a ruthless social climber willing to commit murder. Magic is simply expanding what she’s capable of, that’s all.”

Imogene’s remark about Evangeline reveals her sharp insight into the latter’s true nature, characterizing Evangeline as a calculating individual whose ambition knows no ethical boundaries. This statement emphasizes Imogene’s wisdom and ability to see through Evangeline’s facade, recognizing that her magical abilities merely enhance her already ruthless tendencies. This juxtaposition between Imogene’s perceptiveness and Evangeline’s lack of ethics also underscores the broader themes of ambition and moral decay in the pursuit of social status. Through this lens, Kingfisher critiques the societal values that reward such ruthless behavior, illustrating the personal and communal consequences of unchecked ambition.

“It’s only dying […] It’s not even the third most awful thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Penelope’s remark about death underscores the profound hardships that women endure in a society that often marginalizes and mistreats them. By dismissing her own death as merely a minor event compared to the multitude of challenges she has faced, she highlights the relentless struggle for autonomy and respect that women like her must navigate. This statement implies that the trials of living—such as emotional trauma, societal expectations, and oppressive relationships—can be more devastating than death itself.

“I don’t know very much about magic, but I do know that cutting their heads off kills just about anything.”

Imogene’s assertion that “cutting their heads off kills just about anything” foreshadows the group’s drastic decision to behead Falada in their ritual. The irony lies in the fact that, despite this seemingly straightforward approach to eliminating a threat, Falada does not die, highlighting the story’s supernatural elements. This unexpected outcome emphasizes the complexity of magic within the narrative, suggesting that traditional methods of dealing with danger are inadequate when confronting supernatural forces.

“It wasn’t courage. Cordelia was clear on that even at the time. Courage was what you did when you were afraid, and as much as she loathed Falada, she did not fear him.”

Cordelia’s assertion that her actions are not driven by courage but by hatred reveals her complex emotional landscape following Falada’s betrayal. Rather than fearing him, she is fueled by resentment due to his role in her mother’s manipulation, highlighting how deeply she values loyalty. This distinction emphasizes Cordelia’s commitment to those she trusts, as her animosity toward Falada stems from a sense of betrayal rather than a cowardly reaction to fear. In this moment, Cordelia’s hatred becomes a catalyst for her determination to confront those who threaten her allies, reinforcing that loyalty is, for Cordelia, paramount to The Search for Identity that she is undertaking.

“Her stomach churned and she told herself sternly that she would not wait another day, these were her friends and she had already waited too long and dammit, they must want to talk to Penelope, of course they would, it was selfish to hold off just because she was scared.”

This moment captures Cordelia’s internal struggle as she confronts her fear and prioritizes her loyalty to her friends. Her determination to reach out to Penelope, despite her stomach churning with anxiety, signifies a pivotal point in her character arc, showcasing her growing bravery. Cordelia’s acknowledgment that it would be selfish to delay highlights her evolving sense of agency; she is learning to act in the interest of her friends rather than allowing fear to dictate her actions. Her shift from passivity to proactivity underscores her development as a character who recognizes the importance of connection and support within her relationships.

“Normally she loved the woods that bordered Evermore house, but now they seemed oppressively secretive. Their green depths might conceal anything. Even a horse risen from the dead.”

Initially, Hester appreciates the woods surrounding Evermore House, viewing them as a source of beauty and tranquility. However, this quote marks a significant shift in her perception, transforming the once-enchanting landscape into a place of foreboding and uncertainty. The phrase “oppressively secretive” underscores Hester’s growing anxiety and foreshadows the dangers lurking within the seemingly idyllic setting.

“A moment later, the flaccid stump of neck in front of her shuddered, as if he sought to turn his head.”

The phrase “flaccid stump of neck” evokes visceral horror, suggesting lifelessness and decay that intensifies the grotesque nature of Falada’s headless form. By describing the neck as a “stump,” the imagery implies a brutal severance, stripping away any dignity associated with the creature. The subsequent phrase “shuddered, as if he sought to turn his head” introduces an unsettling sense of movement, emphasizing the eerie quality of the scene and suggesting that Falada’s spirit or will may persist even in death. Through these linguistic choices, Kingfisher aims to immerse the reader in the novel’s dark and fantastical world.

“She felt like the worst kind of traitor. I just sold out Lord Evermore and now it sounds like Hester too even though I was trying not to and I shouldn’t have but it hurt so much.”

In this moment, Cordelia grapples with intense feelings of guilt and betrayal, believing that she has compromised her loyalty to her friends. The phrase “the worst kind of traitor” reveals her deep-seated values regarding loyalty, illustrating how her emotional turmoil stems from her commitment to Hester and Richard. This self-reflection not only highlights her internal struggle but also serves as a catalyst for her character development, motivating her to seek redemption and make amends.

“I am not Falada. I am not her creature. I do not belong to her.”

This declaration from Cordelia is pivotal, as it signifies her reclaiming her identity and Finding Agency in Abusive Situations in the face of Evangeline’s control. By asserting her independence from Falada and her mother, she acknowledges her own power and individuality, contrasting with her previous notions of being a mere pawn in Evangeline’s schemes. Penelope’s support reinforces this awakening, highlighting the importance of friendship and loyalty in Cordelia’s journey. Cordelia can now resist oppressive forces and fight for her own autonomy, thus embodying the strength that has been building throughout her character arc.