Character Analysis
We've Heard Nicer Nicknames
"Grandma Witch" may not sound like a term of endearment, but in Strega Nona's case, it's apt. This kindly, old woman, who pretty much always has a smile on her face and is never pictured without her headscarf and apron, is a classic "grandma" figure (or "nona," in Italian) if ever we've seen one.
On the cover of the book, she's smiling adoringly at a peacock while clutching her magic pasta pot. This is fitting for two reasons: (1), because the magic pasta pot has a prominent role in this story, and (2) because for lots of people, grandma = food, and Strega Nona is no exception. She's definitely adept at feeding herself and others.
She's also a classic nurturer. When people in the village have troubles—headaches, warts, relationship issues—they go (where else?) to Strega Nona. And as dePaola makes clear on page seven, everyone in the village makes use of Strega Nona's services, "even the priest and the sisters of the convent…" (7). Why? Because Strega Nona has "a magic touch" (7). But obviously, since she's visited by people associated with the church, her particular brand of magic isn't seen as threatening, dark, or evil in any way. Which brings us back to the first part of her name, "strega."
I'm Not a Witch, I'm Your Wife!
"Strega" means "witch" in Italian, and it's this part of Strega Nona's personality that elicits whispers from the villagers. Clearly, no one is seriously scared of Strega Nona. If they were, they wouldn't freely visit her and drink the potions she offers them. But they do have a healthy dose of respect for her talents and for her decision-making abilities. This is evidenced in the end when the townspeople are calling for Big Anthony to be "strung up" (31) but easily acquiesce when Strega Nona pronounces a punishment more fitting to his crime.
As for Strega herself, she seems content with her role in the village. She is frequently pictured smiling and performing domestic chores and magic incantations in and around her house (cover, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13). And her home, which she has managed independently to this point, is one of abundance with plenty of food, well-behaved animals, a thriving garden, and frequent visitors. Indeed, when Strega Nona finally decides that she needs help managing her affairs, all she has to do is place a notice in the town square and voila!—Big Anthony is on the job.
Keep Calm and Strega On
Above all, however, Strega Nona possesses a level of wisdom and calm that must be a comfort to the others in her community. In addition to being able to assist people with their various medical and interpersonal needs, she helps to maintain order without ever appearing to speak sternly or raise her voice. When people arrive at her home, they line up and quietly wait their turn to see her (7, 8). When Big Anthony, who doesn't pay attention, becomes her assistant, Strega Nona seems to understand he may need extra reminders and warnings, but she gives them to him calmly and then steps back and gives him room to make mistakes.
And when Big Anthony makes the big mistake of disregarding the warning about the pasta pot (which Strega Nona gave to him not once, but twice), she doesn't freak out. Even as the mayor is shouting, "We must protect our town from the pasta," and villagers are scattering in every direction (26), Strega Nona enters calmly, assesses the situation, and puts everything right in a matter of moments (29).
So…"Grandma Witch" is a pretty perfect title for someone who both inspires confidence and awe, calm and mystery. And yeah, we kind of wish Strega Nona lived in our town.