In historical themes, Anorexic pulls from the Salem witch trials that occurred during the 1700’s. This is a direct link to what had occurred in past accusations. For cultural background, all girls know about eating disorders. The diseases that are caused by the need to be thin are ingrained in a females mind from a very young age. I know some about the Salem Witch Trials from school but I know much more about eating disorders from person experiences with friends, family, and myself.

The clues from this story are the witch and the python. I think religion is being pulled into this poem. The context makes the poem sound like the Bible story of Adam and Eve. The sin of eating an apple was punishable by death. They are significant because that is the justification for starvation in this story. Eating is a sin and must be avoided at all costs.

I would like to have more information on the Salem Witch Trials. I think with that I’d be able to expand on the supposed sins committed by these people. It would also be useful to look over the Adam and Eve story again just for a refresher. My key words would be Heretic, python, claustrophobia, half-truths.