The Witch of the Waste is a significant character in the novel "Howl's Moving Castle" written by Diana Wynne Jones. She is portrayed as a powerful witch with a mysterious and fearsome reputation. The Witch of the Waste is known for her evil deeds and ruthless actions. Throughout the book, the Witch of the Waste is depicted as a main antagonist, causing trouble and havoc for the protagonist, Sophie Hatter, and the other characters. She is first introduced as a large and intimidating woman who has a knack for casting spells on people, usually turning them into animals or other grotesque forms. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the Witch of the Waste has a complicated past.
She is a talented witch who was so beautiful that Howl pursued her, but after finding out that she used magic to keep herself looking young and beautiful, he left her. She is still in love with Howl however, and uses her magical powers and henchmen to try and capture him after seeing him with Sophie. That is why she arrives at night to Sophie's hat shop, and insults her before turning her into a 90 year-old woman. As Sophie leaves her hometown in order to break the curse on her, she reaches Howl's castle. Through Sophie's pocket, the Witch uses ancient sorcery to put a powerful spell on Howl in the form of a note. The scorch marks read:
Hypothetically, it could be the similar type of contract as that of Howl s with a demon but she might have unfortunately met a corrupt demon which then led to her demise. Initially the antagonist, the Witch becomes somewhat of a protagonist after Madame Suliman lures her to the castle to drain her of her magical powers.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the Witch of the Waste has a complicated past. She was once a beautiful and powerful sorceress who had a romantic relationship with the wizard Howl. However, the Witch's obsession and jealousy turned her into a bitter and vengeful person.
Why did Sophie and Howl spare the Witch of the Waste?
I just finished watching "Howl's Moving Castle" and I'm wondering why Sophie and Howl basically became best friends with the Witch of the Waste. She cursed Sophie and couldn't remove the curse, so she was useless to them, and in the beginning of the movie Sophie seemed to hate her. While escaping from the king's castle Sophie and Howl could just throw the witch out of the plane, or at least just leave her somewhere. Why did they let her live and even stay in the moving castle with them?
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That must be a change they made in the movie; in the original book, Howl kills her with a word of power as she's fighting the scarecrow, after she threatened his family and Sophie.
Nov 24, 2020 at 14:56Her actions were driven by her desire to punish Howl and claim his heart for herself. Despite her malevolent nature, the Witch of the Waste becomes a more complex character as the story progresses. It is discovered that her powers have been weakened over time, and she is no longer the formidable force she once was. This vulnerability humanizes her to some extent, and the reader begins to sympathize with her plight. In the end, the Witch of the Waste experiences a redemption arc. She plays a crucial role in the resolution of the conflicts in the story, helping Sophie and her companions defeat the true villain. Through her actions, the Witch displays bravery and selflessness, ultimately sacrificing herself to save others. The character of the Witch of the Waste serves as a catalyst for the development of other characters in "Howl's Moving Castle". Her presence challenges the protagonists to face their fears, overcome their weaknesses, and demonstrate their humanity. Despite her initial portrayal as a wicked and monstrous figure, the Witch of the Waste ultimately becomes a multidimensional character with shades of gray. Overall, the inclusion of the Witch of the Waste in "Howl's Moving Castle" adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Her transformation from a malevolent witch to a sympathetic character showcases the power of redemption and the capacity for change within individuals..
Reviews for "In the Shadows: The Witch of the Waste and the Art of Manipulation"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch of the Waste". The book seemed to promise an exciting and magical adventure, but I found the plot to be confusing and lacking depth. The characters felt flat and uninteresting, making it difficult for me to care about their journey. The writing style also felt disjointed and unnatural. Overall, I felt let down by this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Witch of the Waste" was a complete bore for me. The story was slow-paced and uneventful, with no real sense of urgency or suspense. The main character's motivations were unclear and inconsistent, making it hard for me to connect with her. Additionally, the world-building was lacking, leaving me with many unanswered questions. I was hoping for an enchanting and gripping tale, but I was sorely disappointed. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this book.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I struggled to get through "Witch of the Waste". The writing style was tedious and overly descriptive, slowing down the already lackluster plot. The protagonist was also irritating and made questionable choices throughout the story. The romantic subplot felt forced and unnecessary, adding little to the overall narrative. Overall, I found this book to be a chore to read and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.