Why Did the Witches Spare Thomasin in The Witch?

Robert Eggers' 2015 film The Witch holds a captivating narrative that explores themes of faith, family, and the untainted desire for freedom. At the heart of this psychodrama is the character of Thomasin, a young woman whose journey is critical to the story's intricate web of symbolic and mythical storytelling. Throughout the film, Thomasin grapples with her oppressive Puritan family and the accusations that plague them. By the climax, she encounters the witches, and their decision to spare her assumes profound significance.

Thomasin's Vulnerability and Character Arc

The witches spare Thomasin primarily due to her vulnerability and the nature of her character arc. Thomasin is a young girl navigating the challenging environment of her family and the challenges that come with it. She faces suspicion and blame for the misfortunes that befall her family, and her innocence is constantly tested. As the story unfolds, she must confront her vulnerabilities and find a sense of agency in a world that seeks to suppress her.

The Turn of Events

By the climax, Thomasin is presented with a choice: the witches offer her a sense of liberation from the oppressive upbringing she endures. They promise her agency and power, which she is desperately seeking. This choice to spare her is not just a survival instinct; it symbolizes her transition from innocence to a more complex understanding of her identity. Thomasin's sparing is a pivotal moment that reflects her embrace of agency and the allure of a path free from her family's rigid beliefs.

The Symbolism and Decision

The decision to spare Thomasin aligns with the film's broader themes. The witches are seen as both liberators and potential enemies, offering a stark contrast to the oppressive Puritan lifestyle Thomasin is raised in. This choice also highlights the allure of freedom and the desire for self-assertion. Thomasin's journey is a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Role of Vulnerability and Gender

Thomasin’s vulnerability, stemming from her age and her fraught relationship with religion, makes her the most susceptible to the witches' lure. In the world of the film, she is more deeply affected by the misfortunes than her male counterparts. Her gender and attitude towards faith make her particularly vulnerable, and thus, the witches see her as a promising candidate to bring into their ranks.

Symbolism and the Chosen One

The sparing of Thomasin is not an isolated act but a part of a larger narrative of isolation and malevolent forces at play. The film shows a pattern where the male characters are the first to die, creating a sense of isolation and removing the restrictive presence of the male figure. The younger brother, driven by a sense of lust, falls into the witches' traps, while the twin sister, whose strong presence in the myth of duality, is eventually killed. The father is killed by the devil in the form of a goat, symbolizing his vices and the dark powers at work. The mother, too, is shown to possess witchcraft but is ultimately killed, leaving Thomasin as the sole survivor.

In conclusion, the witches spare Thomasin because she represents the most vulnerable link in the family chain. Keeping her alive allows them to exert their influence and control over the remaining family members. Thomasin’s sparing is central to the film's exploration of freedom, identity, and the dark allure of otherworldly power. Her journey and choice are a beacon of resilience and self-discovery amidst the oppressive Puritan environment.