A Sorceress Comes to Call

Falada serves as a complex symbol of betrayal and the far-reaching power of Evangeline in A Sorceress Comes to Call. Initially, he represents a trusted companion for Cordelia, a being to whom she confides her secrets and innermost thoughts. However, this bond is shattered when Cordelia learns that Falada is Evangeline’s familiar, revealing that he relays her secrets to her mother. This betrayal leaves Cordelia feeling vulnerable and deceived, as the one creature she thought she could trust has become an instrument of her mother’s control. The revelation of Falada’s loyalty to Evangeline deepens Cordelia’s sense of isolation and emphasizes the treachery present in her relationships.

Falada’s pacing around the grounds, both before and after his decapitation, symbolizes the pervasive influence that Evangeline wields over her surroundings. His relentless presence serves as a reminder of her control, not just over him but also over Cordelia and others in the household. Even after he becomes headless, Falada continues to haunt the estate, illustrating how the scars of Evangeline’s power linger even in death. His grotesque appearance after losing his head transforms him from a loyal companion into a terrifying figure, embodying the consequences of Evangeline’s tyranny.