The Wizard of Oz is a beloved children's book written by L. Frank Baum and published in 1900. The story follows a young girl named Dorothy who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Throughout her journey, she encounters a variety of curious and imaginative characters, including witches. One of the most famous witches in the story is the Wicked Witch of the West. She is depicted as a green-skinned, sinister figure with a pointed hat and a broomstick.
Historically, a witch is, ‘a woman claiming or popularly believed to possess magical powers and practice sorcery.” In cultural progression, the term has come to represent somebody who is cunning, wise and otherworldly; skilled at one’s craft. Or, on the flipside, somebody spiteful, overbearing, ‘a hag’.
Most famous of the fictional witches are Glinda and Miss Almira Gulch, the Good Witch and Wicked Witch of the West in L Frank Baum s celebrated The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, re-released this month. According to the books, Good Witch Glinda travels by bubbles through the sky and wears puritanical white gowns, but it was her arrival onscreen in 1939, in an 8-foot circumference dress glittered with stars and topped with fairy wings and storybook crown, that has entered the sartorial hall of fame, since referenced by multiple fashion houses.
She is depicted as a green-skinned, sinister figure with a pointed hat and a broomstick. The Wicked Witch is the primary antagonist in the story, constantly seeking to harm Dorothy and her companions in order to gain control over the magical Silver Shoes that Dorothy wears. The Wicked Witch is known for her iconic catchphrase, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!" She uses her magical powers to create obstacles for Dorothy and her friends, such as sending flying monkeys to capture them or conjuring up storms to impede their progress.
The Witches of Oz
Despite her wickedness, the Wicked Witch of the West is ultimately defeated by Dorothy when she accidentally throws a bucket of water on her, causing the witch to melt away. This weakness to water is a significant plot point in the story and serves as the witch's ultimate downfall. In contrast to the Wicked Witch, there is another witch in the story known as Glinda the Good Witch of the North. She is portrayed as a benevolent and kind character, providing guidance and support to Dorothy on her journey. Glinda is adorned in a sparkling gown and travels in a bubble. The witches in The Wizard of Oz play an integral role in the story, representing both good and evil forces. They add depth and intrigue to the narrative, captivating readers with their magical abilities and contrasting personalities. The presence of witches in the story adds to the sense of wonder and adventure that makes The Wizard of Oz such a timeless and beloved tale..
Reviews for "The Witch's Cackle: A Signature Sound in The Wizard of Oz"
- Sarah - 1/5 stars - I really did not enjoy "Wizard of Oz Witch" at all. The plot was thin and predictable, and the characters felt one-dimensional and uninteresting. The dialogue was also poorly written and lacked depth. Overall, I found the book to be a great disappointment and would not recommend it to others.
- Michael - 2/5 stars - While "Wizard of Oz Witch" had some promising elements, such as the setting and the potential for a unique twist on the classic story, I ultimately felt let down by the execution. The pacing was inconsistent, at times dragging on and at others rushing through important moments. The main character lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to truly invest in her journey. Overall, I was left underwhelmed by this book.
- Emily - 3/5 stars - "Wizard of Oz Witch" had an interesting premise that initially intrigued me, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was overly simplistic and lacked nuance, which made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the plot felt rushed and could have benefited from more fleshing out. While it had its moments, I ultimately found this book to be just mediocre.
- Jason - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Wizard of Oz Witch," but it failed to captivate me. The storyline felt disjointed, with the narrative jumping from one event to another without proper transitions. The characters were also difficult to connect with, as their actions and motivations often seemed arbitrary and inconsistent. Overall, I found this book to be a confusing and frustrating read.