The Place Called Dagon · Theme
Repressed Paganism and Witchcraft
How The Place Called Dagon develops Repressed Paganism and Witchcraft.
The book explores how ancient pagan rituals and witchcraft, brought by Salem witch descendants, persist secretly in a New England community, surfacing through dark ceremonies and supernatural beliefs.
Where it surfaces
- I
Dreeme speculates that the townspeople's suppressed animal natures and ancient pagan urges might break forth in secret, terrible channels.
- Chapter II
Martha's speech about freedom and the 'old god' suggests a rejection of conventional morality and an embrace of primal instincts.
- I
The discovery of wax dolls with needles stuck in them directly introduces the theme of witchcraft and occult practices within the domestic setting.
- II
Martha's connection to her witch ancestor and the supernatural vision of Martha Carrier.
- II
Lathrop describes how the settlers carried on their frightful ceremonies by night, while maintaining a quiet, taciturn facade by day.
- IX
The chapter explores the hidden survival of pagan practices and witchcraft beneath the surface of a seemingly Christian community.
- II
Dreeme reflects on the possibility that ancient pagan madnesses lurk beneath the surface of modern civilization, waiting to resurface.