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Discovery Of Witches

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Topic: This research paper will elaborate on how Debora Harkness uses plots and symbols to highlight the theme of the collision of modern science and magical beliefs in her novel, A Discovery of Witches. Harness accurately uses scientific reasoning to explain the supernatural attributes of her characters. The explanation of supernatural DNA and the search for the origin of the supernatural beings will display the various scientific beliefs that exist today. The quest to find the bespelled manuscript, Ashmole 782, and the character development of the protagonist, Diana, will also help demonstrate the role of science in explaining magical beliefs.

Working Thesis: Debora Harkness' A Discovery of Witches illustrates the theme of the collision of modern science and magical beliefs by detailing the impact of time, technological advancements, and intertwining …show more content…

Themes refer to a main idea or message in a text that may be applied more broadly to include secondary idea or messages (Murphy and Ray 514). The history of alchemy and magic serves as minor and secondary themes throughout the novel while the overall theme of the story refers to the intertwining of modern scientific approaches and its abilities to explain the magical phenomenon that exists. To further explain the theme and make the theme more noticeable, Harkness also implements the literary technique of motif. According to the Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, a motif differs from a theme in that themes act as a recurrent, unifying element in an artistic work, such as an image, symbol, character type, action, idea, object, or phrase (Murphy and Ray 315). Motifs, such as the alchemy symbol and the manuscript Ashmole 782, provide insights as to the message and overall theme of a

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