The Wicked Witch of the West, also known as Elphaba, is a prominent character in L. Frank Baum's famous novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," as well as its subsequent adaptations, including the iconic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." She is often depicted as the main villain of the story and is known for her green skin, long nose, and pointed hat. Elphaba's origins and backstory differ across different adaptations, but her common thread is her upbringing in the magical land of Oz. In Baum's original novel, she is described as being born with green skin, which sets her apart from others and leads to her being misunderstood and mistreated. This treatment shapes her character and fuels her desire for power and revenge against those who have wronged her.
This treatment shapes her character and fuels her desire for power and revenge against those who have wronged her. Throughout the story, the Wicked Witch of the West seeks to obtain the silver slippers worn by Dorothy, the protagonist of the story. She believes that these slippers possess great power and could grant her ultimate control over Oz.
Wicked Witch
Wicked Witch is a title given to witches who are particularly wicked and are the villains of certain Oz books along with their adaptations.
Her pursuit of the slippers leads her to send her minions, the Winged Monkeys, after Dorothy and her companions in order to retrieve them. The Wicked Witch of the West is notably fearful of water, as she melts upon contact with it. This weakness is exploited by Dorothy, who accidentally throws a bucket of water on her during their encounter in the witch's castle, resulting in her demise. This iconic scene has become one of the most memorable moments in the story, reinforcing the witch's reputation as a formidable yet ultimately vulnerable antagonist. In recent years, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, has also gained popularity as the protagonist of the hit Broadway musical "Wicked." This musical delves into her backstory, illuminating her perspective and motivations while challenging the notion of good and evil. It presents her as a misunderstood and mistreated individual who eventually becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive rule of Oz. Overall, the Wicked Witch of the West is a complex and intriguing character who has captivated audiences for decades. Her iconic appearance and role in "The Wizard of Oz" have solidified her status as one of the most recognizable and enduring villains in literature and film..
Reviews for "The Wicked Witch: A Study in Villainous Archetypes"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Wicked Witch of Oz". I had heard so many great things about it, but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. The acting was mediocre, and the storyline felt weak and predictable. The special effects were also underwhelming and didn't add anything extra to the film. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster experience and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - I have mixed feelings about "Wicked Witch of Oz". While the visuals were stunning and the costumes were impressive, I felt that the plot was convoluted and hard to follow at times. The pacing was also off, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Additionally, I found some of the characters to be one-dimensional and lacking depth. It had its moments, but overall, I wasn't thoroughly impressed with this film.
3. Robert - 2/5 - I found "Wicked Witch of Oz" to be a major letdown. The storyline seemed promising, but it quickly lost its steam and became repetitive. The dialogue was poorly written, and the attempts at humor fell flat. The acting was lackluster, with no standout performances to speak of. The whole film felt disjointed and failed to engage me as an audience member. I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver.