Serpent & Dove
Beating a Dead Witch: Reid
by Mahurin, ShelbyReid stands in the aftermath of a violent confrontation, surrounded by the wreckage of his room and the corpse of a witch. The scene is marked by blood, destruction, and the lingering stench of magic. Despite his hatred for witches, Reid is haunted by thoughts of Lou, the witch he once loved, whose absence leaves him feeling empty. He struggles to reconcile his duty as a Chasseur—a witch hunter—with his unresolved emotions, refusing to acknowledge the depth of his attachment to her.
Ansel confronts Reid, demanding to know why he let Lou escape, especially given her vulnerable state and the threat posed by her mother, Morgane le Blanc. Ansel argues that Lou is in grave danger and needs their help, but Reid dismisses his concerns, insisting witches cannot be trusted. Reid’s internal conflict is palpable; he resents Lou for her deception yet cannot fully extinguish his feelings for her. His refusal to act stems from both anger and self-loathing, as he grapples with the betrayal of his own emotions.
The tension between Reid and Ansel escalates as Ansel accuses Reid of cowardice for abandoning Lou. Reid’s harsh words and bitter sarcasm mask his inner turmoil, but Ansel’s persistence forces him to confront the reality of Lou’s peril. Reid’s memories of Lou—bruised, bloodied, and broken—torment him, revealing the depth of his regret for the pain he caused her. Despite his outward denial, Reid’s actions and thoughts betray his lingering care for Lou, even as he clings to his identity as a Chasseur.
The chapter concludes with Reid’s simmering rage and Ansel’s desperation, highlighting the moral and emotional divide between them. Reid’s refusal to help Lou underscores his internal struggle between duty and desire, while Ansel’s defiance emphasizes the human cost of Reid’s rigid beliefs. The unresolved tension sets the stage for further conflict, as Reid’s hardened exterior begins to crack under the weight of his unacknowledged emotions.
FAQs
1. How does Reid’s internal conflict about Lou manifest in this chapter, and what does this reveal about his character development?
Answer:
Reid experiences intense cognitive dissonance between his duty as a Chasseur (witch hunter) and his lingering feelings for Lou. While he repeatedly calls her a “witch,” “viper,” and “Judas,” his thoughts betray deep concern - he notes how “a world without Lou was wrong, somehow. Empty” and recalls her vulnerability under the stars. This conflict reveals Reid’s growing complexity beyond his rigid dogma; he’s beginning to question black-and-white morality. His self-loathing (“what does that make me?”) shows unprecedented introspection, marking significant development from his earlier uncompromising fanaticism.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of blood and the color blue in this chapter. How do these motifs reinforce the themes?
Answer:
Blood serves as a multifaceted symbol - the witch’s blood represents violence and death, while Lou’s bloodied state evokes both danger and vulnerability. Reid’s revulsion at his blue coat being stained (a Chasseur’s uniform color) mirrors his crisis of identity. The repeated emphasis on blue (“I’d never hated the color more”) underscores his disillusionment with the institution he once revered. These motifs collectively reinforce themes of betrayal, the fluidity of morality, and the inescapable messiness of human emotions versus rigid ideologies.3. What pivotal argument does Ansel make about Lou’s situation, and why does it particularly challenge Reid’s worldview?
Answer:
Ansel argues that despite Lou being a witch, she’s currently “drugged,” “weak,” and facing mortal danger from Morgane le Blanc, emphasizing that Chasseurs should protect the innocent regardless of identity. This directly challenges Reid’s absolutist doctrine that all witches are inherently evil. Ansel’s invocation of their duty (“bound to protect the innocent”) forces Reid to confront the contradiction between his oath and his actions. The argument is particularly potent because it echoes Lou’s earlier stance against “slaughtering innocent people,” creating moral parallels Reid desperately tries to ignore.4. How does the physical setting mirror Reid’s psychological state in this chapter?
Answer:
The destroyed room with “holes riddled the walls” and lingering “stench of magic” physically embodies Reid’s shattered worldview. The splintered door he kicks open reflects his fractured emotional barriers. Carrying the witch’s corpse through the cathedral’s spaces - from private quarters to public foyer - mirrors his internal journey from personal turmoil toward confronting institutional obligations. The recurring imagery of weight (“dead weight in my arms”) versus lightness (Lou being “so light”) further externalizes his emotional burdens versus fleeting moments of tenderness he tries to suppress.5. Evaluate how the chapter’s title “Beating a Dead Witch” operates on both literal and metaphorical levels.
Answer:
Literally, it references Reid disposing of the witch’s corpse and his continued hatred toward witches even after death. Metaphorically, it critiques his futile struggle against his feelings for Lou - he keeps “beating” his affection like a dead witch, unable to fully extinguish it despite his efforts. The phrase also ironically comments on Chasseur ideology’s stagnation (beating dead ideas) and foreshadows the witches’ potential resurgence (“reclaim our homeland”). The violent imagery underscores the self-destructive nature of Reid’s internal battle between duty and love.
Quotes
1. “A world without Lou was wrong, somehow. Empty.”
This quote captures Reid’s internal conflict as he grapples with his hatred for witches versus his undeniable connection to Lou. Despite her true nature being revealed, he can’t shake the profound impact she’s had on his life.
2. “I had broken her. My wild-hearted, foul-mouthed, steel-willed heathen had broken. I had broken her.”
A pivotal moment where Reid acknowledges his role in Lou’s emotional destruction. The quote reveals his deep regret and the complexity of their relationship, showing his awareness of her true character beneath the witch identity.
3. “Witches. Lie. We can’t believe anything we heard tonight. We can’t trust this witch spoke truth.”
This represents Reid’s core conflict - his rigid Chasseur ideology clashing with potential truths about Lou’s situation. It shows his desperate attempt to maintain his worldview despite mounting evidence that complicates it.
4. “She’s a witch. A bride of Lucifer. So what does that make me?”
A crucial existential question that reveals Reid’s identity crisis. This quote shows him questioning his own nature and values as he struggles to reconcile his feelings with his beliefs.
5. “The light in them had gone out.”
This powerful visual metaphor describes Lou’s broken spirit after their confrontation. It’s significant because it shows Reid’s capacity for observation and empathy, even as he tries to deny these feelings.