Why did the wicked witch want Dorothy? This question has intrigued readers for generations, as it delves into the motivations and character of the notorious villain in L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The answer to this question lies in a combination of power, greed, and a desire for control, all of which were driving forces in the wicked witch’s life.
The wicked witch of the East was a formidable figure, known for her dark magic and cruel nature. She ruled over the Emerald City with an iron fist, using her power to maintain control over the citizens of Oz. When Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, was swept away by a tornado and landed in the magical land of Oz, the wicked witch saw her as a threat to her authority.
One of the primary reasons the wicked witch wanted Dorothy was to retrieve her enchanted ruby slippers. These slippers were said to possess magical powers, including the ability to grant their wearer three wishes. The wicked witch believed that by obtaining the slippers, she could regain her youth and beauty, which had been stolen from her by the Good Witch of the North. The allure of eternal youth and beauty was too powerful for the wicked witch to resist.
Additionally, the wicked witch was driven by a deep-seated greed and a desire for power. Dorothy’s presence in Oz threatened her rule, as the people of Oz had grown tired of her oppressive regime. The wicked witch saw Dorothy as a symbol of hope and change, and she was determined to eliminate this threat before it could grow. By capturing Dorothy, the wicked witch hoped to restore her authority and maintain her grip on the Emerald City.
Furthermore, the wicked witch’s desire for Dorothy was also rooted in her loneliness and a deep-seated need for companionship. Throughout the novel, the wicked witch is portrayed as a desolate figure, isolated from the rest of Oz and longing for connection. Dorothy, with her innocent and kind-hearted nature, represented the kind of friendship the wicked witch had never experienced. The wicked witch’s desire to have Dorothy as a companion was a reflection of her inner longing for acceptance and belonging.
In conclusion, the wicked witch’s desire for Dorothy was a multifaceted motivation that included a quest for power, youth, and beauty, as well as a deep-seated need for companionship. These desires were all intertwined, creating a complex and compelling character that has captivated readers for over a century. As the story unfolds, the wicked witch’s relentless pursuit of Dorothy ultimately leads to her downfall, highlighting the transformative power of friendship and the importance of standing up against oppression.
