# Repressed Paganism and Witchcraft in The Place Called Dagon

> Theme guide for The Place Called Dagon by Herbert Gorman.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/chapters/i): Dreeme speculates that the townspeople's suppressed animal natures and ancient pagan urges might break forth in secret, terrible channels.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/chapters/ii): Martha's speech about freedom and the 'old god' suggests a rejection of conventional morality and an embrace of primal instincts.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/chapters/ii): Martha's connection to her witch ancestor and the supernatural vision of Martha Carrier.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/chapters/ii): Lathrop describes how the settlers carried on their frightful ceremonies by night, while maintaining a quiet, taciturn facade by day.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/chapters/ix): The chapter explores the hidden survival of pagan practices and witchcraft beneath the surface of a seemingly Christian community.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/chapters/ii): Dreeme reflects on the possibility that ancient pagan madnesses lurk beneath the surface of modern civilization, waiting to resurface.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/themes/repressed_paganism_and_witchcraft
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_place_called_dagon_se/themes