Gretel in Darkness

There is a clear sense of guilt—if not regret and fear—at what Gretel has done to keep her and her brother alive. Though Gretel is the one who “killed” the witch to ensure her and her brother’s safety, she must now live with blood staining her hands. She searches for solace, comfort, and pardoning from others, but no one consoles her about it, and she is unable to find peace in her own mind as she recalls the violent night’s details: “I see armed firs, / the spires of that gleaming kiln” (Lines 22-23). This subtle reference reveals the images of nearly being killed and tossed into a bubbling cauldron that the witch was going to cook her and her brother in. In Line 26, she goes on to ask, “Am I alone?” indicating that the events following her heroic efforts have only resulted in a thankless silence and distance from others.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a symptom that many war veterans or victims of trauma experience after a violent or impactful life event. Though often ascribed to adults who are coping with the consequences of their environments or actions, Glück uses the young girl’s