Why doesn't the Wicked Witch Simply Kill Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz?

The classic tale of The Wizard of Oz is full of magical twists and turns, but a common question among fans is why doesn't the Wicked Witch simply kill Dorothy to obtain the ruby slippers? This article delves into the intricate plot details, both from the 1939 movie and the original book by L. Frank Baum, to provide a comprehensive understanding of why such a straightforward solution doesn't occur.

Movie Interpretation

Let's start by examining the 1939 MGM movie adaptation. In the film, the Wicked Witch of the West encounters limitations on her magic within Munchkin Country due to the presence of Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. Glinda stands right beside Dorothy, effectively neutralizing the Witch's ability to use her magic against the girl.

When the Witch moves her confrontation to her own residence, she has Dorothy in captivity and attempts to remove the ruby slippers. Dorothy's agreement to eventually give them up is a strategic ploy, but the Witch quickly recalls that while she can force her to take them off, she cannot take them from her if Dorothy remains alive. Therefore, she does plan to murder Dorothy but is too fearful of breaking the spell to do so openly.

The Witch, influenced by the C.G. Jung concept of the 'shadow' and fearing loss of her own identity, prefers to meticulously orchestrate Dorothy's demise, ensuring her plan is executed carefully. This meticulous approach is what drives her, and the movie explains the Witch's reluctance as protecting the magic within the slippers to avoid any unintended consequences.

Book Interpretation

The original novel by L. Frank Baum offers a different perspective. In the book, the ruby slippers are silver and were inadvertently dropped by the East Wicked Witch. The Good Witch of the North, not to be confused with Glinda, finds them and hands them to Dorothy along with a protective kiss, signifying a magical safeguard.

In the book, the Wicked Witch of the West and the East are not sisters, nor do they have a familial connection. The West Wicked Witch, primarily focused on capturing the Lion, has no direct involvement in chasing Dorothy. The silver slippers, being magical, give Dorothy and her companions a significant advantage despite the seemingly perilous journey.

When the Wicked Witch of the West does send the Winged Monkeys, their caution towards Dorothy stems from her magical kiss. The Monkeys, bound by the golden cap, hesitate to harm Dorothy, and even leave the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman behind, fearing to damage Dorothy who is under the protective enchantment.

The critical moment comes when Dorothy finally manages to confront and throw a bucket of mop water at the Witch, causing her to melt. This act not only liberates Dorothy but also retrieves the second slippers, allowing her to escape and eventually reclaim them all, fulfilling her desire to return home.

Extra Information on the Witches

Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, does not appear in the initial sections of the book. After surviving the Wizard's departure, Dorothy and her companions travel to the southern border of Oz to seek Glinda's aid. Glinda uses the golden cap to return each of Dorothy's companions to their respective homes and sets the Monkeys free.

Only at this point, with all the companions vanished, does Glinda reveal to Dorothy that the silver slippers can take her back to Kansas. The irony that Dorothy could have used them to return home much earlier is not due to deliberate misinformation but stems from the absence of Glinda in Dorothy's journey.

Conclusion

In both the movie and the book, the Wicked Witch of the West does not have the option of simply killing Dorothy to take the slippers. Each medium offers a unique and compelling rationale, enriching the story with layers of magic, mystery, and character development. Whether it's the careful plotting of the film or the strategic magic in the book, the journey of The Wizard of Oz is full of intriguing elements.

Keywords

Wicked Witch, Dorothy, Emerald City, Ruby Slippers, The Wizard of Oz