Quitch Narrative: Queerness and Witches in American Popular Culture from the 20th Century

Abstract

This study examines the evolving Quitch narrative found within American popular culture over time. Originating from traditional European children’s literature, where witches often took center stage, this narrative has undergone a metamorphosis. It encompasses four key aspects: physical appearance queerification, hetero-structural spatiality, hetero-temporal chrononormativity and the Quitch, all of which create the witch figure with notions of queerness across body, space, and time. Central to its essence is its disruptive force against heteronormativity, with each aspect seeking to sustain prevailing norms. In the 20th century, American popular culture embraced this narrative by depicting witches in manners akin to their European predecessors. However, in the 21st century, there is a notable shift towards what can be termed as the “post-Quitch narrative”. This signifies a departure from traditional portrayals, opting instead for empowering depictions that critique patriarchal dominance over queer witch representations. Moreover, the Quitch narrative is not confined to primary representations but extends to secondary and tertiary levels, as evidenced by associated paratexts and fan-created materials. At the secondary level, the post-Quitch narrative is influenced by capitalist ideologies, reflecting a commercialized portrayal of witches. However, fans have appropriated this narrative to reimagine their witch characters, challenging the constraints imposed by mainstream producers and offering critiques of their own.