The Honey Witch

The Honey Witch takes place in an alternate, magical society that exists during the 1830s. While this society differs from the real-world 19th century in its acceptance of gay relationships (See: Background), in some ways it still embodies restrictive attitudes toward women. Marigold’s feelings about marriage, the scandalous nature of her unwed status, and the disastrous relationship she had with George Tennyson all speak to some of the unique pressures she faces simply by being a woman. Through Marigold’s experiences, the novel examines the complexities of women’s social roles and expectations.

Chapter 1 establishes the idea that Marigold is quickly aging out of the appropriate age bracket to still be unwed. Marigold “has a few months to marry before she is deemed an insufferable hag” (5), with the derogatory word “hag” implying that society regards being unwed as automatically being less attractive or worthy. Her mother pressures her to “try to find someone’s company at least mildly enjoyable” (7) at the ball Marigold is forced to attend, which suggests that even Marigold’s family believes marriage is essential for her.

Marigold’s status as an unwed woman in her early twenties is contrasted by the status of her unwed ex-partner, George Tennyson, who “is a decade older than her” (16). While Marigold’s unwed status is scandalous, the poet George Tennyson is still seen as an eligible bachelor well into his thirties. The contrast between Marigold’s treatment and George’s highlights the way the society of Bardshire encourages women to quickly settle down and marry while allowing men the time to pursue their artistic endeavors and develop as individuals before finding a wife.

Marigold’s relationship with George also reflects the dangers of the power dynamic created by these societal expectations for women. Marigold feels that “[t]he hold George had on her was punishing, like he was trying to mold her into a different shape, make it so she took up less space in every room” (16). George’s desire for Marigold to take up “less space” suggests that he regards her as automatically less important than he is simply on account of her gender. As Marigold realizes, “He never wanted her, though—not in any true way. He only wanted a bride who would succumb to his violent pursuit of civility” (16). The power dynamic between Marigold and George illustrates the way women are disadvantaged in a society that regards men as wiser and more important. Marigold thus begins to see marriage in general as a restriction of her freedom, just as her relationship with George was.

When Althea tells Marigold about the Honey Witch curse, Marigold feels, “Love is a burden. It does not work for wild women” (29). When she is presented with a choice to give up love and become a Honey Witch, “A sense of empowerment blooms in her chest like nothing Marigold has ever felt before” (33). It is therefore only by rejecting society’s stifling gender-based roles and expectations that Marigold can become fully herself and, eventually, find the love that truly nourishes her.