The Disenchantment of the World? The evolution of belief in witchcraft in England and the Netherlands during the nineteenth century

Abstract

This thesis challenges the proposition that belief in witchcraft vanished in the face of modernity by studying its evolution in nineteenth-century England and the Netherlands. By employing multidisciplinary approaches, it explores belief dynamics through linguistic and cultural lenses. Using newspaper articles, ethnographic research, and folklore studies, this study examines witchcraft beliefs' linguistic expressions and cultural contexts. The analysis of 55 Dutch and 61 English articles reveals divergent trends influenced by urbanisation, literacy, police professionalisation, and witch doctors. Despite shared believer identities and influencing factors, contextual variations shape believers' actions. Comparing quantitative content analysis exposes significant differences in witchcraft belief evolution. Linguistic analysis provides insights into its social and cultural relevance, particularly regarding violence. Moreover, the results showcase a continuance of belief in witchcraft to a certain extent. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive exploration of nineteenth-century witchcraft beliefs, challenging the notion of complete disenchantment in modernity and promoting nuanced understandings of evolving belief systems. Recognising limitations in newspaper selection, further research with additional English sources is recommended.