In the enchanting world of "The Wizard of Oz," an intriguing character in the form of a witch plays a significant role. This witch, often referred to as the Wicked Witch of the West, not only captivates the audience's attention but also brings a sense of danger and mystery to the tale. The witch is mainly portrayed as an antagonist, constantly opposing Dorothy and her friends on their journey to reach the Wizard of Oz. Sporting her iconic black hat and flowing black gown, she is a striking figure that embodies darkness and magic. With her cackling laughter and menacing presence, the witch becomes a symbol of fear and the unknown in the story. However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that the witch's motives are not solely driven by evil.
She also took issue with the fact that the witch kit did not include a book about the craft. Instead, it packaged objects associated with New Age beliefs, divination, and indigenous practices together in one box. Witchcraft can be practiced without any item in the kit, and many indigenous people and other practitioners who use sage for spiritual purposes don’t identify as witches.
Witch kits and the like not only send troublesome messages to consumers, they also signal that paganism is not taken seriously in the United States, according to Tok Thompson, an associate professor of anthropology and communication at the University of Southern California. There are traditions that are very specific and you have to train a certain way for a certain period of time in order to be initiated, but there is this sense that you re the vessel, you re the conduit, you re in charge of that relationship.
However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that the witch's motives are not solely driven by evil. She seeks to obtain the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy, as these slippers hold great power and can grant their wearer immense authority. The witch's desire to attain these slippers is driven by her wish to regain control over the Kingdom of Oz.
The occult is having a moment. Companies want in, but not if witches can help it.
Sephora and Urban Outfitters are among the brands that have faced a backlash for appropriating magic.
By Nadra Nittle Oct 31, 2018, 7:30am EDTThis longing for power and control transforms the witch from a one-dimensional villain into a character with complex motivations. Moreover, the witch's backstory explains her transformation into a wicked being. It is revealed that she was previously a kind-hearted witch named Elphaba, who gradually succumbed to the forces of darkness after facing personal tragedies and betrayals. This backstory adds depth to the witch's character, evoking sympathy and understanding from the audience. It teaches us the important lesson that one's path to wickedness may stem from a series of unfortunate events rather than inherent evil. In the end, the witch's demise is a bittersweet moment for both the characters and the audience. While her wickedness is vanquished, it is impossible to ignore the complexity of her character and the role she played in the narrative. The witch's presence adds a layer of intrigue to "The Wizard of Oz" and highlights the importance of looking beyond appearances and understanding the motivations driving individuals. Overall, the witch in "The Wizard of Oz" is an unforgettable character who embodies the darkness and mystery threaded throughout the story. From her initial introduction to her eventual demise, the witch captivates the audience's attention and evokes a range of emotions. Whether seen as a pure antagonist or as a character with layered motivations, the witch's role is essential in shaping the narrative and delivering valuable lessons on power, betrayal, and redemption..
Reviews for "The Witch's Aesthetic: Analyzing the Visuals in The Wizard of Oz"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to watch "The Witch is Dead Wizard of Oz", but I was left extremely disappointed. The storyline felt forced and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The humor also fell flat for me, as I didn't find it funny at all. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "The Witch is Dead Wizard of Oz" is by far one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The acting was terrible and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The special effects were also poorly done and looked cheap. I couldn't wait for it to be over. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.
3. Mike - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for "The Witch is Dead Wizard of Oz" as a fan of the original film, but unfortunately, it fell short. The story felt disjointed and the pacing was off. The attempts at humor were forced and didn't land. Additionally, the CGI was distracting and took away from the overall experience. I would recommend sticking with the classic version of "The Wizard of Oz" instead.