The Ex Hex

Vivi draws strength from her significant relationships, which in the beginning of the novel include only her cousin Gwyn and her aunt Elaine. She feels secure in her connections with them because they embrace the materialistic side of witchery to which she also gravitates. For Vivi, occasionally dipping into “witchy stuff” like a spell to reheat tea or detect plagiarism strikes her as uncomfortable when she is on her own, but with Gwyn and Elaine, she feels emboldened to try new spells and push the boundaries of her abilities. In the prologue, Gwyn’s joking suggestion that Vivi hex Rhys after their breakup is clearly not meant to be malicious; she genuinely believes the “pretend” hex will help Vivi vent her frustrations and unburden herself of some of the heartbreak she is experiencing. Gwyn’s humorous encouragement helps Vivi find her footing again after being emotionally devastated, and as adult women, Vivi still turns to Gwyn for advice and assistance. Vivi reciprocates that supportiveness when Gwyn and Jane separate later in the novel. While Gwyn’s relationship is not subject to much narrative attention, it still matters to Vivi, and she jokingly reiterates Gwyn’s suggestion of hexing the ex as an emotional release.