Satan Prefers Blondes: Minimalism in The Blackcoat's Daughter

by Cass Cannon

At the center of much demonic lore sits the prize sheep of purity; she is young and blonde, usually early in puberty but on the brink of her first sexual encounter, and traditionally attractive. In fact, she is perfect; irresistible, even. This obsession with the canonization and demonization of young women is as old as lore itself. We watch this archetypical young woman get torn up, consumed, and violated—all the while admiring her gentle grace and young naivete. She is what we are all taught to fear—purity losing itself to darkness.