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Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

Strega Nona, written by Tomie dePaola, is a children's tale. Its title means 'ninth witch’ in Italian.  dePaola creates two individual characters: Strega Nona, a caring witch known for her healing and aid, and her eager assistant, Big Anthony. Seeking attention, Big Anthony inadvertently triggers a spell that unleashes a stream of pasta from a magical pot, threatening to take over the entire town. The pasta has the nuns and city dwellers running for their life! That is until Strega Nona intervenes, halting the chaos. To resolve the situation, Big Anthony must consume the pasta until the city is safe again.

This story is unusual, as witches are rarely the main character in children's books. When they do appear, they're typically cast to the sidelines of fairy tales, not as central characters. What's even more uncommon is the peaceful coexistence between the witch, Strega Nona, and the nuns, without any apparent conflict or controversy. It's as though the religious community has accepted her beliefs and actions.

Adding to the controversy, the story also switches traditional gender roles, with Strega Nona being the head of household while Big Anthony assumes the role of the housekeeper.

The primary representative theme in the story lies within the enchanted pasta pot, which symbolizes the force of witchcraft and the repercussions when it's mishandled or even exploited.

Tomie dePaola, has a clear and significant fascination with witches and witchcraft, as proven by his body of work. This theme can be found throughout his other books, such as "Strega Nona’s Magic Lessons," "Strega Nona Does It Again," and "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring."

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The Final Result

After months of unrest and riots, Tunisia has completed its first free and fair election. It’s the moment that its citizens have been fighting for since late last year. And to think it all began with a young man who was subjected to being mistreated by the ones who should be protecting and servicing. He sacrificed himself to be heard and this movement has now progressed into something he could not have imagined: a true democracy.

4 million people voted in this election. I imagine the voter turnout will increase as the years progress. The Ennahda party won by a landslide. They’ve already filled important roles such as the prime minister and head of state. There are many other roles that they are actively working to fill. This new government is moving speedily not only in filling roles but on the new constitution, setting a date of this November to meet for discussions. Their goal was to draft a new constitution quickly to help citizens restore faith in its government leaders.

The new governments promise such things as women rights, equality, and advancement. This latest administration wants to hear from its constituents and what and how they can approve the country they serve. This is a good start to for now. This also shows other countries that it can be done and not to give up. To continue to battle for what everyone deserves. To make some noise if you must.

Wow, you can hear the celebrations throughout the neighborhood and there’s so much fellowship in the streets. It’s such a vast difference from December of last year. I think I’ll go and join them!

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A New Beginning

A new beginning March 4, 2011 - March 28, 2011

Once exiled leader, Ben Ali, left the country, leaders and citizens had a new hope for a voice in the form of democracy. They finally had a fighting chance to be heard.

Interim president of Tunisia, Fouad Mebazaa, spoke with citizens and assured them that its first free democratic elections will be held in July. July is around the corner. I wonder if that’s enough time for them to prepare as I’m sure this will be a large turnout. He also said they’ll be writing a new constitution.

This is vital to this movement. It shows other countries that you must fight for what is right and that oppression is never okay. The Tunisian people wanted a government that would work for them and not the other way around. They resisted until they saw the change they needed so desperately. And even when prior leaders aimed to pacify them, they relented until change was permanent. Everyone that was affiliated with corrupt leader Ben Ali was ousted as well. A judge in the Tunis court ruled that Ben Ali’s favored party, the RCD, be dispersed and banned them from ever holding any political seats. This reflects the interim government’s commitment to wanting to disassociate themselves from the crooked ruling of Ben Ali. With all these changes it solidifies my belief that this revolution is permanent.

I just received news that the government is not only condemning Ben Ali’s supporters but has now put former Interior Minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem on house arrest. They’re claiming he should be held accountable for the deaths of several protestors. I wonder what will happen and what his defense will be. You think he’s going to try and use Ben Ali as a witness?

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January 14, 2011 Ben Ali

Protests are still happening every day. It would be different if people were employed. But seeing as jobs are hard to find, the next best thing is to protest and ask what the leaders are doing to help their people.

Tunisia’s leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, could have done so much more to help facilitate change. He had the chance to give citizens hope. He could’ve listened to his people and ushered in a new era of possibilities. And that’s what he did in the beginning. He pacified the people with promises to create jobs and even limit the cost of food. But as they say actions speak louder than words. Not long after he made these noble promises, he fled the country. Saudia Arabia welcomed him with open arms. He set up a comfortable life there for him and his family while his people in Tunisia suffered and protested for better living conditions.

Tunisia wanted exiled leader Ben Ali to come back and take responsibility in his role as a failed leader and for stealing funds from the government. How much did he steal? Well, it’s said he and his wife are now billionaires. He even had bank accounts in Switzerland. Luckily, the Swiss agreed to freeze all of his bank accounts. I can’t imagine a person with that much wealth and power still opting not to aid the needy and poor. This speaks volumes as a leader. Not shortly after Ben Ali’s abrupt departure, Tunisia issued a warrant for his arrest wanting him to face judgement for his role in the country’s turmoil. His new resident country Saudia Arabia, declined to extradite him. They outright refused to hand him over to face the music. It seems as if he’s never going to be held responsible for his actions and that he and his family may continue to live comfortably in Saudia Arabia.

I can’t but imagine how things could have been different if he ran his government with compassion and understanding. If when Mohamed Bouazizi went to ask for help, he had gotten it. How things would have been for the people if Mohamed Bouazizi didn’t die under the reign of Ben Ali. But instead, Bouazizi dies under corrupt leadership that declines accountability.

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The after effect of death. December 18, 2010

The after effect of death. December 18, 2010

Protests could be heard throughout the day and night. You could hear it from miles away. There was no escaping the anger, hurt and disappointment in the Tunisian people. I genuinely believe that everyone deserves to feel safe; that they deserve accommodating living conditions, and that everyone deserves the ability to provide for their family. This is what they’re fighting for. This is why they’re protesting. I stand with them.

The rally’s is starting to spread to other countries in the middle East like Algeria, Libya, and Sudan. People are growing frustrated with their living situations and lack of employment. Unfortunately, it’s said that authorities have slaughtered hundreds thus far. This saddens me. But you must realize that you cannot be silent and expect change to come. Sadly, the Tunisian government doesn’t see it this way as they have so boldly called protestors aggressive agitators. If that’s not the pot calling the kettle black, then I don’t know what is.

As mentioned previously, the protests are starting to spread to neighboring countries. In Libya, protest is becoming bloody and mainly due to leader, Muhammar al-Qadhafi, as he has opted to respond violently to demonstrators. These clashes between residents and authorities in Libya became so violent that the UN security council approved military intervention to help protect civilians. Algeria is also participating in this revolution. Protestors in Algeria are upset with the hike in food cost amongst other things. People in Algeria are now turning against each other and robbing everything from schools to shops. The death toll thus far is low but approximately 800 have been injured and over 1000 have been arrested. This goes to show that people will fight however possible for a change.

Demonstrators clash with security forces on December 23, 2010 in Sidi Bouzid

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12/17/2010 Tunisian Man

My brother and I went to the market while here in Tunisia to buy food and table settings for tonight’s dinner. The aroma of all the spices always excites me and the handmade goods always make for nice decoration. Or so I think anyway. We decided to stop by our regular vendor to see what he’s selling today. When we got there, we could hear commotion. It was our regular supplier, Mohamed Bouazizi, in a dispute with government officials. We end up walking away to avoid any disturbances. But later that day we spoke to a friend saying that Bouazizi was being harassed by the officers, even claiming that he was slapped at one point. I couldn’t believe it. People were saying that police believed he didn’t have a permit to sell but would turn the other if he paid them off.  I can’t imagine the frustration as a person who just wants to provide for their family but ends up in trouble with the system. Bouazizi was so frustrated that he went to the administrator’s office for assistance in the matter at hand but was ultimately turned away. He was silenced but not for very long. He wanted to be heard by any means. In his anger and frustration, Bouazizi decides to make a statement but without words. He set himself ablaze in front of the governor’s office for the world to see. I couldn’t believe what was happening. We just saw Bouazizi a few days ago and now he’s in the hospital, fighting for his life. How could this be?

This just shows the frustration of the Tunisian people. They are silenced everyday. When you struggle to provide, you struggle to live. And when there’s no justice you just feel oppressed. Like, what other choice do I have? What about the government? It seems like they are of no help. Bouazizi did the right thing by seeking help and was shut down. In defeat, he did what he felt was right and unknowingly started a movement.  People used this as an opportunity to come together and act. They began to protest against the mistreat of their people and economic strains that they’ve endured for much too long.

With sadness, Bouazizi succumbed to his injuries on January 4, 2011. He will be remembered as a man who just wanted to be heard but instead started a movement.



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In a photo from December 28, 2010, former Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, second from left, visits Mohamed Bouazizi in hospital after the street vendor set himself alight [File:Tunisian Presidency/Handout/Reuters]