In Defense of Witches Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *In Defense of Witches* by Mona Chollet about?

*In Defense of Witches* examines the historical persecution of women as witches and connects these witch hunts to modern gender inequality. Mona Chollet frames the witch as a symbol of female resistance, critiquing societal pressures on women’s autonomy regarding motherhood, aging, and independence. The book argues that misogynistic narratives from the past persist in today’s expectations of femininity.

In Defense of Witches

Mona Chollet

4.06 (21884 Reviews)

History

Society

Philosophy

Overview

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Author

FAQs

Witches weren't supernatural - they were women who threatened patriarchy. Mona Chollet's acclaimed feminist manifesto reveals how witch hunt mentalities still target independent women today. Le Monde calls it "brilliant" for exposing the chilling truth: society still fears women who defy expectations.

What is In Defense of Witches by Mona Chollet about?

In Defense of Witches examines the historical persecution of women as witches and connects these witch hunts to modern gender inequality. Mona Chollet frames the witch as a symbol of female resistance, critiquing societal pressures on women’s autonomy regarding motherhood, aging, and independence. The book argues that misogynistic narratives from the past persist in today’s expectations of femininity.

Who should read In Defense of Witches?

This book is ideal for feminists, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in gender studies. It resonates with readers exploring societal critiques of motherhood, aging, or female independence. Those seeking insights into how historical oppression shapes modern misogyny will find it particularly valuable.

Is In Defense of Witches worth reading?

Yes—it offers a compelling blend of historical analysis and contemporary feminist discourse. Readers praise its accessible writing, well-researched arguments, and empowering reframing of witchcraft. However, some note its limited focus on white, cisgender experiences.

How does Mona Chollet redefine the witch in modern feminism?

Chollet reimagines the witch as an emblem of unapologetic female agency, challenging patriarchal norms. She argues that women who reject traditional roles—such as childfree individuals or those prioritizing careers—embody the witch’s rebellious spirit, facing similar societal scrutiny.

What are the main critiques of In Defense of Witches?

Critics highlight its narrow focus on Western, cisgender perspectives and minimal engagement with race or LGBTQ+ issues. Some readers expected more historical witchcraft analysis rather than modern feminist theory.

How does In Defense of Witches address motherhood?

The book critiques societal idolization of motherhood, arguing it erases women’s individuality. Chollet cites studies on voluntary childlessness and explores how mothering roles perpetuate systemic inequality, urging a reevaluation of caregiving dynamics.

What role does aging play in In Defense of Witches?

Chollet portrays aging women as targets of invisibility and disdain, paralleling historical witch hunts. She challenges ageist stereotypes, advocating for reverence toward older women’s knowledge and autonomy.

How does the book connect witch hunts to modern healthcare?

It draws parallels between accusations of witchcraft and contemporary dismissals of women’s health concerns. Chollet highlights how medical systems often pathologize women’s bodies, mirroring past persecution of healers and midwives.

What are key quotes from In Defense of Witches?

Notable lines include:

“The witch is a woman who exists entirely for herself.”
“A woman’s identity is too often defined in relation to others—wife, mother—but a witch belongs only to herself.”

These emphasize self-ownership and resistance to patriarchal labels.

How does In Defense of Witches critique capitalism?

Chollet argues that capitalism commodifies feminism and witchcraft, reducing empowerment to consumer trends like “girlboss” culture. She warns against superficial activism that fails to dismantle systemic oppression.

How does Mona Chollet’s background influence the book?

As a Franco-Swiss feminist journalist, Chollet integrates European witch trial history with modern French feminist discourse. Her work at Le Monde diplomatique informs the book’s intersection of academic rigor and accessible prose.

What books pair well with In Defense of Witches?

Complementary reads include Silvia Federici’s Caliban and the Witch for historical analysis and Maryse Condé’s I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem (cited by Chollet) for intersectional perspectives on witchcraft and race.

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Key takeaways

The Witch Hunt That Never Ended

00:00

Imagine a world where a woman's independence is considered so threatening that she must be eliminated. This isn't ancient history-the witch hunts that claimed up to 100,000 lives (80% women) occurred during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, not the Middle Ages. These weren't the actions of religious zealots or uneducated peasants; civil courts conducted most trials, with educated elites leading sophisticated media campaigns against "dangerous" women. The widely distributed "Malleus Maleficarum" (Hammer of Witches) explicitly stated that "male witches are of small concern," viewing women as weak-minded and lustful. Any woman risked accusation for stepping out of line-whether for talking back, being too social or too solitary, missing church or attending too devoutly. Their bodies were violated through "witch pricking," stripped, shaved, and tortured beyond imagination. Why did this happen? The witch hunts coincided with women gaining social power and independence. Women were systematically excluded from businesses and professions while married women lost legal rights through reintroduced Roman law. The witch hunts served as violent correction, putting women "back in their place" through terror and public spectacle. What's most disturbing isn't just this history, but how it continues shaping our present. The persecution of witches reinforced prejudices and repressed certain female behaviors and lifestyles - creating negative associations that still produce censorship, barriers, hostility, and violence today.

The Radical Independence That Still Terrifies

The Unforgivable Choice Not to Mother

The Crime of Growing Older While Female

When Women's Knowledge Becomes Dangerous

Medicine's War on Women's Bodies

Reclaiming the Witch: A Path Forward

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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In Defense of Witches by Mona Chollet Summary

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