Week 5: Witches
Discuss the witches in Akata Witch. Are they archetypes? What do the characters represent of the way culture models women with power?
In Akata Witch, the traditional archetypes of witches is taken away and given a more modern context. Instead of the stereotyped warts, long noses, pointy hats and crooked teeth, the witches in Akata Witch are "prettier" and physically are much more relatable to teens. However, I do believe that there are archetypes in witches and teens in general. Sunny, the main character is the "witch who doesn't know she's a witch" character that is struggling to be accepted because she was raised in America and is albino, living in Nigeria. She is bullied by her classmates and not seen as equals or accepted by her family, most namely her father. Sunny struggles with her identity as she is unable to play soccer since she cannot be out in the sun. While reading, I found a lot of similarities between Sunny and Harry from the Harry Potter series. Both were placed in difficult situations and faced self discovery when they found out they had magical powers, but in a different context. ChiChi, Sunny's friend is the outgoing, sassy and mischievous mentor for Sunny. She reminds me of the pretty and popular friend in teen movies that acts as a mentor for the outcast nerd character. Instead of teaching Sunny about makeup, fashion and boys, Chichi teaches Sunny about being a Leopard and how to use her juju. Orlu, another one of Sunny's friends is the wise friend who's more cautious about following the rules and being cautious about his and his friends' powers. I saw Orlu to be the Hermione Granger of the group. While Sasha, is the more lively friend, who has trouble keeping his anger and therefore his powers under control, the wildcard friend.
I believe these characters, especially ChiChi and Sunny, showcase how society and culture is starting to view women with power with much more respect. Before beginning this novel, I thought I would have to witness these teenage witches playing tricks and getting revenge on their school bullies with their powers. Instead, they showcase how these girls use their power for good, as they are Leopards, most of them don't find worth in materialistic/worldly things and instead focus on the wealth of knowledge. It also shows how people with power can be women, not just men. Take ChiChi's mom for example, she is a high priestess who has reached the second to last level of being a witch.
In Akata Witch, the traditional archetypes of witches is taken away and given a more modern context. Instead of the stereotyped warts, long noses, pointy hats and crooked teeth, the witches in Akata Witch are "prettier" and physically are much more relatable to teens. However, I do believe that there are archetypes in witches and teens in general. Sunny, the main character is the "witch who doesn't know she's a witch" character that is struggling to be accepted because she was raised in America and is albino, living in Nigeria. She is bullied by her classmates and not seen as equals or accepted by her family, most namely her father. Sunny struggles with her identity as she is unable to play soccer since she cannot be out in the sun. While reading, I found a lot of similarities between Sunny and Harry from the Harry Potter series. Both were placed in difficult situations and faced self discovery when they found out they had magical powers, but in a different context. ChiChi, Sunny's friend is the outgoing, sassy and mischievous mentor for Sunny. She reminds me of the pretty and popular friend in teen movies that acts as a mentor for the outcast nerd character. Instead of teaching Sunny about makeup, fashion and boys, Chichi teaches Sunny about being a Leopard and how to use her juju. Orlu, another one of Sunny's friends is the wise friend who's more cautious about following the rules and being cautious about his and his friends' powers. I saw Orlu to be the Hermione Granger of the group. While Sasha, is the more lively friend, who has trouble keeping his anger and therefore his powers under control, the wildcard friend.
I believe these characters, especially ChiChi and Sunny, showcase how society and culture is starting to view women with power with much more respect. Before beginning this novel, I thought I would have to witness these teenage witches playing tricks and getting revenge on their school bullies with their powers. Instead, they showcase how these girls use their power for good, as they are Leopards, most of them don't find worth in materialistic/worldly things and instead focus on the wealth of knowledge. It also shows how people with power can be women, not just men. Take ChiChi's mom for example, she is a high priestess who has reached the second to last level of being a witch.
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