The Wicked Witch of the West is a central antagonist in L. Frank Baum's classic novel, "The Wizard of Oz." With her iconic green skin, black attire, and malevolent demeanour, she is a formidable force that Dorothy and her companions must confront on their journey through the magical land of Oz.
The Wicked Witch's first appearance occurs when Dorothy's house accidentally lands on and crushes the Wicked Witch of the East, the witch's sister. This event sets the stage for the Wicked Witch of the West to become the primary antagonist in Dorothy's quest to reach the Emerald City and find the Wizard of Oz.
One of the defining features of the Wicked Witch is her relentless pursuit of revenge. Fueled by the death of her sister, she becomes determined to seek retribution against Dorothy and her companions. Her magical powers and cunning strategies make her a formidable adversary throughout the story.
The Wicked Witch's first attempt to thwart Dorothy is through her minions, the Winged Monkeys. These creatures are bound by the Golden Cap, which allows the person in possession of it to command the monkeys three times. The Wicked Witch uses this cap to send the Winged Monkeys after Dorothy and her friends, creating obstacles in their journey.
The Witch's most iconic weapon is her crystal ball, through which she spies on Dorothy and her companions. This surveillance adds an element of tension to the story, as the Witch anticipates their every move. Her malevolent laughter, often heard echoing through the land, creates a sense of foreboding.
Throughout the narrative, the Wicked Witch employs various magical tactics to stop Dorothy. She uses enchanted poppies to put Dorothy and her friends to sleep, attempts to set the Scarecrow on fire, and places a magical barrier around her castle to prevent intruders. Each encounter with the Witch adds layers of suspense and danger to the journey.
The Wicked Witch's desire for power is evident in her quest to obtain the Silver Slippers, which Dorothy inadvertently acquires upon arriving in Oz. These slippers, with their magical properties, could have made the Witch even more formidable. However, she is unable to seize them from Dorothy, as they are tightly secured on her feet.
One of the most iconic moments in the story is the Witch's demise. Attempting to retrieve the Silver Slippers, the Wicked Witch is inadvertently defeated when Dorothy throws water on her. The water causes the Witch to melt away, leaving only her hat behind. This unexpected and ironic conclusion to the Witch's relentless pursuit adds a layer of poetic justice to the narrative.
The Wicked Witch of the West serves as a symbol of fear and darkness in "The Wizard of Oz." Her character embodies the classic dichotomy of good versus evil, and her presence intensifies the challenges faced by Dorothy and her companions. Despite her malevolence, the Witch's defeat marks a turning point in the story, paving the way for Dorothy's self-discovery and the realization that true power lies within oneself.
In the broader context of the novel, the Wicked Witch of the West contributes to the timeless theme of overcoming adversity. Her character, though antagonistic, plays a crucial role in Dorothy's journey of growth and self-realization. The narrative complexity of the Wicked Witch adds depth to Baum's fantastical world, making her a memorable and enduring figure in the realm of classic literature.
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