City of Emeralds

This chapter is spread over forty-two pages, and is separated into section by three small decorative dots. This chapter will not be broken up into sections based on these. It will be a continuous blog.

This chapter starts off five years after Elphaba left Glinda to stay in the City of Emerald. Fiyero is the narrator/main character of this chapter. He has traveled to the city on business. Upon entering a church in search of a poster of Glinda, he comes across an older Elphaba. She denies that she is who he thinks she is. This is due to the spell that was cast upon her by M. Morrible. She is to deny anything that she is learning about.

As this chapter progresses, the reader finds out that Fiyero and Elphie have formed a relationship. Fiyero has also revealed that he is married and has children. Elphaba on the other hand has no close family or friends. At least that is what she is indicating, by the lack of personal information that she is sharing. The two meet several times, in private; the spell is the motivation behind this. After their fourth meeting their relationship turns into a love affair.

“You think all this is new to me,’ she said, sighing. ‘You think I am such a virgin.’ ‘You didn’t bleed the first time,’ he observed. ‘So what’s to think about?’ ‘I know what you think,’ she said. ‘But how experienced are you, Lord Sir Fiyero, Arjiki Prince of Kiamo Ko, Mightiest Stalker of the Thousand Year Grasslands, Chiefest Chieftain in the Greta Kells?’ ‘I am putty in your hands,’ he said, truthfully. ‘I married a child bride and to preserve my power I haven’t been unfaithful. Until now. You are not like her,’ he said. ‘You don’t feel like her, it doesn’t feel the same. You’re more secret.’ ‘I don’t exist,’ she said ‘so you’re still not being unfaithful, either.’ ‘Let’s not be unfaithful right now then,’ he said, ‘I cant wait,’ running his hands along her ribs, down the tight plane of her stomach. She always brought his hands to her thin, expressive breasts; she would not be touched below the waist by hands. They moved together, blue diamonds on a green field.” (Maguire 192)

This long quote from the novel is important because; there is many ways that this piece can be broken down. First off; the dialogue. They are discussing how they are being unfaithful to his wife, and she is being unfaithful to the job she is supposed to be doing. In the end they are ‘unfaithful’ again.

There is a metaphor in this piece; the line; “I am putty in you hands,” (Maguire 192) is referencing the gum-like textured solid that is able to move and form new shaped. Completely defenceless to anything that comes at it. This also means that she has power in this relationship. Her being the person that moulds the putty.

A rhetorical question is asked in this quote as well. “So what’s to think about?” (Maguire 192) This is answered, however, the answer turns into another question. Therefore, the answer that the character that was asking, did not receive one. Although there was a sense of knowledge behind the question before Fiyero asked it.

An alliteration and allusion are used in the same sentence. “But how experienced are you, Lord Sir Fiyero, Arjiki Prince of Kiamo Ko, Mightiest Stalker of the Thousand Year Grasslands, Chiefest Chieftain in the Greta Kells?” (Maguire 192) The usage of the letter ‘K’ shows that Elphie is knowledgeable about his social standing. This shows that she is paying attention when he speaks but also to his and potentially other peoples social standing. The allusion in this quote references that Fiyero is a stalker, and this is could lead to him being a secret spy as well. The mention of a chief alludes to a high status that makes Fiyero seem important. It also hints at other chiefs that were not as great as others.

The last line of the quote: “They moved together, blue diamonds on a green field.” has a great example of imagery. The blue diamonds are Fiyero’s marks that are on his skin, and the green field, well, that is referring to Elphaba and the colour of her skin. But how does this quote make sense? How can blue diamonds move on a green field? The author could be referencing baseball. There is a diamond while playing baseball and normally the players play on a green outfield.

Another interesting quotation from this section of the book, happens to be on the same page as the quotation above.

“The wind tore the leaves from the trees. The Gale Force continued to frog-march Animals and collaborations out of their town.” (Maguire 192)

This quote has a great use of a hyperbole. The saying; “the winds tore the leaves from the trees.”, is referring to the strong winds that ‘tear’ the leaves from the trees. This also alludes to the season of fall. Another interesting tidbit of information about this quote is; the Gale Force is the secret police, and this is an interesting connection to the original book, in the sense that Dorothy’s last name is Gale. Which is ironic because the term gale force refers to the strength of the wind ("Bad Deck Weather"). In relation to the movie, Dorothy is in danger when there are gale force winds, and that is when the audience meets the evil witch. Could this be leading to the change in Elphaba’s behaviour?

For the next couple pages the relationship between Elphaba and Fiyero progress. They are still having an affair and they are beginning to reveal little specs of information about themselves. Elphaba is continuing working on her assignment, and Fiyero has not foreseen and time in which he will be leaving to go back to his family.

A fascinating line in the next section of this chapter is; “Love is wicked distraction.” (Maguire 197) This is a example of symbolism. The term ‘wicked’ has many examples that it can be connected to. First off being the title of the novel. Another being, the character from the movie as well as it is written on the cover of this novel is referring to Elphaba as being wicked. As stated in the earlier example of a quotation, this could be the turning point on the novel for Elphaba.

The honeymoon stage is now over and it is time to move on the tough life choices. Elphaba and Fiyero have begun fighting over religious views and, the topic of evil. Fiyero believes that he is a good person and not evil, while Elphie believes that her evil has to do with her remarks/epigrams. The couple continue fighting until Fiyero gives up and leaves for a day. Hmm… Interesting… A faulty start to a relationship can end it sooner than expected.

The holiday season is near! The Land of Oz does not celebrate Christmas, however they do celebrate Lurlinemas (their version of Christmas.) The couple are constantly fighting over important subjects such as evil and the soul. In the end Elphaba ends up apologizing and they make up. Fiyero is next located at the local café. Equivalent to a star bucks. The author references ‘cherry chocolate frappe’ (Maguire 201) It turns out that Fiyero was in the right place at the right time because he was able to see a line up of the mistreated races among the species by a Gale Forcer. Then a Bear cub who did not join the line-up, was beat by the Gale Forcer. This shows the violence and the severity of the economical and political crisis times. It also is very similar to the way that the Jewish people were treated during Adolf Hitler’s rule of Germany. As well as all the other races that were discriminated against during this harsh time. After viewing this horrific event, Fiyero tries to understand Elphie in a better sense, and with this he is able to determine some of her mood swings, and when she is going to say something.

Elphie’s has made plans on leaving for a couple of weeks to complete a ’job.’ One that she cannot say what it is, as the chapter progresses, she reveals that her objective is to be a pawn in the task of killing the wizard. Hmm… In the Film, the Wizard seems nice, and yet Elphaba is the one killed…?

Glinda is back! While Elphie is away, Fiyero had ran into her at a local shop while Lurlinemas shopping. (He purchased twelve scarves. Six for each leading lady he had in his life.) They; including Crope who was with Glinda at the time, went to a parlour for some tea. Glinda seems to be in better spirits then when she left at the end of the previous part of the novel. She speaks so much that the boys can hardly get a word in edgewise. As the conversation cam to a close she invited him to another ‘date,’ however he declines. Her final words to him were about Elphaba. “If you should see her,’ said Glinda lightly, ‘tell her I miss her still.” Hopefully Fiyero will tell Elphie about this meeting because she was wondering about Glinda. Maybe she feels guilty about dumping her so many years ago?

As an agreement between the secretive couple, they both are being extra precautious while in large crowds. This could have something to do with the actions that Elphaba and her organization are involved in. Skipping ahead, Fiyero has stalked Elphaba to on of her secretive events that she is supposed to be working at. As it turns out, she has been hired to assassinate M. Morrible. Karma is a bitch. Luckily for M. Morrible, Elphie loses her clear shot, and does not go through with the deed. Fiyero tries to catch up with Elphie but loses her, at the last minute as well. He returns to her apartment, however she is not there, and unlucky for him but some Gale Forcers are. Fiyero is hit by a club, and he blacks out.

The last section of this part of the novel takes a strange twist. Similar to a Shakespeare play, when a brutal scene ends, a happy scene, or a scene that changes the pace and allows the audience and reader to relax. This last section involves a nun and a battered Elphaba. Her wrists had been slit. The nun takes her and helps her. She cleans Elphie up and brings her to a bed where she goes to sleep. The nun begins to pray for her. An interesting line mentioned in this section that could be foreshadowing is; “a figure crouched like a monkey” (Maguire 220) Is this a interlude to the film, where the Witch has flying monkeys? Hopefully the plotline will lead there.


Maguire, Gregory. Wicked . New York City: HarperCollins Publishers, 1995. 406. Print. <http://books.google.com/books/feeds/volumes?q=wicked>.
"Weather Terms." Bad Deck Weather. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct 2011. <http://www.baddeckweather.com/weather-terms/>.

A Sad Conclusion Leads to a New Beginning

This next part of the novel is called City of Emeralds. The picture on the cover is in black and white, and shows a man and a women, presumably naked, with the women on the bed, and the man undressing. The man for some odd reason is either sparkling or is sweating profusely. There is also a hint that these people are in a large city, because there are buildings visible from the window.

Some of the other questions that were mentioned in an earlier prediction blog, are going to be answered now.

My favourite part so far is…

My favourite part is the conflict between Elphaba and Glinda. I enjoy reading how they are opposite of what they are depicted as in the film. Although films are usually different. I enjoy learning how they act around each other and how their relationship is forming, breaking, and turning into a life-long bond.

I don’t understand…

I do not understand why the Animals are being treated as outlaws. They should have just as much right as any other being. Could this be the racial aspect in this setting?

If I could have lunch with the author, I would ask…

I think I would ask Gregory Maguire, what inspired him to write a re-make of the classic novel?

I was able to find a website online with almost the exact same question. Here is a link to it:

http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm/author_number/1051/gregory-maguire

His answer is: “
I was living in London in the early 1990's during the start of the Gulf War. I was interested to see how my own blood temperature chilled at reading a headline in the usually cautious British newspaper, the Times of London: Sadaam Hussein: The New Hitler? I caught myself ready to have a fully-formed political opinion about the Gulf War and the necessity of action against Sadaam Hussein on the basis of how that headline made me feel. The use of the word Hitler—what a word! What it evokes!

When a few months later several young schoolboys kidnapped and killed a toddler, the British press paid much attention to the nature of the crime. I became interested in the nature of evil, and whether one really could be born bad. I considered briefly writing a novel about Hitler, but discarded the notion due to my general discomfort with the reality of those times. But when I realized that nobody had ever written about the second most evil character in our collective American subconscious, the Wicked Witch of the West, I thought I had experienced a small moment of inspiration.” ("Book Browse")

There are still a few more questions, but it would be more beneficial to include them in later predictions.


"An Interview with Gregory Maguire ." Book Browse. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm/author_number/1051/gregory-maguire>.

The Charmed Circle Part 8

In this section Glinda and Elphie are on their way to Emerald City. On the way they pass many poor people. Times have been tough in Oz ever since the new leader was let in, as well as the drought a while back did not help.

A great example of something in the real world that relates well with this topic is Dorothea Lange. She is a women of the early 1900’s and she is famous for her amazing pre WWII pictures. Attached is a photo of two young boys that would have been what riding by on the carriage with Glinda and Elphie would have been like ("History Place") The distant stares from people wishes to be with you on the carriage, or somewhere else. As well as the poverty and the poor quality of life everyone has.

Once in Emerald City, the girls realise that there are no Animals around anywhere. When they demand to see the Wizard, they see a skeleton that is dancing gin the rain. Nothing similar to a scary green face with flames and fog. They state their problems and essentially are told to leave, not come back, mind your own damn business, talk to some one who cares, and “Beware of whom you serve.” (Maguire 177)

Glinda wants to go back to Shiz, but Elphie decides to stay in Emerald City to join a underground resistance movement. Glinda decides to continue on her journey and go home. They say goodbye. Glinda felt as though her heart has been ripped out.

"Migrant Farm Families." The History Place. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html>.

That was Odd. You Can Say that Again.

Now that this novel has taken itself to extreme lengths and back, it is time to catch up with the girls on the journey. This will be the final subsection of the Chapter of this part of the book. Confusing? Yes.

The girls are on their way to Emerald City to speak with the Wizard himself, about the political issues, and quite possibly begin spying for M. Morrible.

The Charmed Circle Part 7

This entire scene is essentially a sex scene, without the actual sex. The entire set up and participants are on stage at a local pub, and the dwarf in charge has them placed so it makes it easier to “do the nasty.” thankfully before anything too graphic happens, the chapter ends, leaving the rest up to the imagination of the reader.

There is an unusual scent of incense burning in the air. Could it possibly be something that surrenders peoples thoughts and control, to allow for this kind of show?

Another Adventure Begins!

They are on their way to a better life. Hopefully.

A song that they could listen to while on this journey is; “Life is a highway” by (Rascal Flatts) Although they may not know what a highway is.

The next section will be their adventures while travelling to Emerald City

The Charmed Circle Part 6

A small affair is held in honour of Ama Clutch. In other words a funeral but M. Morrible did not put forth the expenses for a proper one. Many are mad at her poor choices in this.

After the funeral, M. Morrible calls Glinda, Elphie, and Nessa into her office. Nanny is not permitted. M. Morrible tries to dispel the rumours that Grommetik had not killed Doctor Dillamond. However they still have their suspicions.

M. Morrible casts a spell on the girls, to force them to listen to her strange proposal. She is offering them a chance to go to different sections of Oz to become spies of the Wizard. The girls have no choice but to go on these trips. Elphie will be going to Munchkinland, Glinda to Gillikin, and Nessa to Quadling County.

As if the new jobs the girls are given are bad enough, M. Morrible casts another spell on them, but this one is a silence spell. Insuring that the girls do not say a word to anyone, including themselves.

Nanny takes Nessa home, while Elphie and Glinda travel to the city of Oz together.

Goodbye Old Clutch

Now that Glinda and Elphie know who killed Doctor Dillamond, one can wonder what is to come of this knowledge. Will share it with other people? Will they keep it a secret? Will they retaliate and kill Grommetik? Only time will tell. Especially as the story line thickens.

The Charmed Circle Part 5

A sad short chapter dedicated to the death of Ama Clutch. Grommetik fetches Glinda to inform her of the tragedy. (At this point she is still alive.) Glinda and her roommates hurry to go see her. Glinda tries to apologize for the tragic events that had happened to her, but Ama would not accept it. Glinda performs a spell on her that allows her to come out of the stupor she was in.

While she is out of the stupor, she informs Glinda that she hears the winds - in other words she is near death, and she told Elphie and Glinda that is was Grommetik who killed Doctor Dillamond. He slit his throat with a knife. By the time Ama had approached, the knife was covered in fresh blood.

She dies surrounded by people she loves, and in a peaceful manor.

Afterlife… Is it Real?

Nessa had made her comment at the end of he section. It seems as though there will be more discussion of this in the coming sections.

For the people who are not as religious as others, how does all the insight to religion make you feel?

Personally, I do not mind the aspect of religion because of the context of it in this novel. If one of the main characters were not another sort of religion, I think that it would most likely become annoying, and it would feel as though the novel is trying to conform you.

As for the afterlife. I think anything is possible.

The Charmed Circle Part 4

To start this chapter off, Boq has lost his crush on Glinda. Finally! Everyone knew that she did not reciprocate the feelings he had for her. Grommetik was sent by M. Morrible to fetch Elphie and Nessa. They have received a note and package from their father. The note says; “I bought these shoes for you Nessa, and added some sparkle to them just for you. I love you.” (Maguire 148) There was nothing in the note or package for Elphie. Is Frex playing Favourites? The shoes a red. Hmm…? The Wicked Witch of the East from the movie had red shoes…?

A Circle has formed containing Elphie, the Thropp sisters, Crope and Tibbett, Avaric, sometimes Pfannee, Shenshen and Milla, and the new Vinkus kid, Fiyero. The reader learns that Fiyero is already married. People in Vinkus tend to do so. He has not yet moved in with her.

Nessa lets it slip that Elphie can sing, and she is pressured into doing so, by the group. Indeed she has a good voice. Well as far as one could tell from the descriptive words used. After she finishes, Nessa makes a reference to religion, and how Elphie believes in the afterlife.

Who Would Want to Beat A Cub?

Obviously there are some sick people in the Land of Oz. due to these turn of events, something socially is going to happen. Maybe Nessa is going to prove that her point of sorcery is bad and corrupts your religion. Who knows? She is unpredictable. Now, with this professor being ‘evil,’ could M. Morrible defend his decision and back him up when the students and other facility members complain? The answers await in part four.

The Charmed Circle Part 3

Location: Life Science Class, with Doctor Nikidik
Characters: Boq, Elphie, New Kid.

And Scene:

Boq questions Elphie about the work that Doctor Dillamond was working on before he was murdered. Elphie replies that she was able to get most of the work before the police took it. She also refuse to let anyone see the work, claiming it is too dangerous. (What is so dangerous about a couple pieces of paper?)

The Doctor decides to spice up the snooze-fest by performing a spell on one of the founding members portraits with a potion. However a new student enters the room, and the doors creates a draft that turns the potion into a mist, and antlers on the wall come to life and attack the new kid. Boq says: “What an awful welcome to Shiz” (Maguire 142) more like; “What a Shiz-y welcome.” (Epp, Head) Luckily he is saved by Crope and Tibbett.

Meanwhile Glinda and Nessa have an argument about how sorcery corrupts your religion.

Glinda: (Wanting to tell Nessa to f*** off.) (Not the word choice the author would have chosen, but it works.)

Back in Doctor Nikidik’s class, he decides to up the anti on his failed attempt to impress the class. He decides to explain to the class that when animals are young it is hard to tell whether or not they are animals or Animals. He brings in a lion cub, and decides to show the class that if the animal is cauterized in the part of the brain that develops language, the animal will not become and Animal.

Luckily, just in the nick of time, two student save the poor cub that was about to receive a beating.

Religious Freak

(Disclaimer: I do not mean to offend anyone by making the statement above. It is how I perceive Nessarose from the book.)

Regarding what is stated above, nothing harmful is meant by statement, other than the extreme actions that occurred in the novel that lead to this evaluation. Nessa is very religious. To the point where she must pray for some one else making a hurtful statement.

Considering the events of the last section, there is most likely not a lot of interesting information that will be introduced in the section. Maybe a plot twist could be revealed in the near future of this book, but seeing to where the plot line is headed so far, that is highly unlikely.

The Charmed Circle Part 2

Galinda starts off the section by announcing that she is a changed person. She also goes in to detail about her friendships and how those relationships are changing. The most important piece of information that she gives the reader is; some background information about the past couple years of Elphie’s life. These are the years that were skipped over during the previous chapters.

Elphie explains where her sister was born - Colwen Ground, and she was born in a time of extreme drought. The drought was finished once a sacrifice was given to the lords. This ends up being, none other than Turtle Heart. The reader also learns that Melena died after giving birth to a third child. A boy named Shell. Elphie thinks that this is after Turtle Heart. She also speaks of people mining for rubies. Hmm… Foreshadowing…? Glinda keeps her on track of the family story. Elphie claims that Nessa is her fathers favourite. She also hints that Shell is not physically deformed. “Male, and white, and whole,” (Maguire 135)

Glinda has begun taking her sorcery course, diving into the lessons, and practicing. While discussing the topic of her sorcery teacher with Nessa and Elphie, she learns that Nessa is very religious and offended when Elphie refers to her religion as “I’m atheist and an aspiritualist.” (Maguire 138)

How Unusual…

With the presence of Nessarose and Nanny, there is a chance that Elphie and her friends will have to be careful when they research about the Animal laws. One of the reasons why Doctor Dillamond was killed could be because he was close to finding out information that the government or the school does not want people to find out. Could this be related to how strangely Elphie acted towards the robot Grommetik? The answer has not yet been revealed.

The Charmed Circle Part 1

Poor Doctor Dillamond. No one has solved his murder yet. Galinda has changed her name. she has taken out the a in the beginning. Now it is Glinda. She did this out of respect for the goat.

An interesting comment. The author chose the word Martyred to describe to goat. In another English novel the class is read Persepolis (Satrapi) refers to the term as well. But in that case, there are many people killed, and in this case only one person is dead.

Elphie’s Nanny arrives at Shiz, bringing Nessarose - Elphie’s younger sister, along with her. This is the child that Melena refers to in the ending of part one when she speaks in secret to Nanny about how she is pregnant but is unsure of the father. Nessarose has no skin discolouration, but she is armless. The reader also learns that Melena has been dead for many years.

The reader also finds out that Nessarose is very religious and does not allow for Nanny to gossip.

A large step in politics was made when the prohibitions on Animal Hiring came into affect, the colleges had decided to have lectures all at once. This means there is now coeducation.

The Charmed Circle

Due to recent events there will be a brief moment of silence for Doctor Dillamond.

                       ,,~~--_____---,
                                     /                        .~,
                               /     _,~                   )
                              (_-(~)   ~, ),,,,,,,(    / '
                               Z6  .~`' ||            \ |
                               /_,/       ||             ||
                        ~~~~~~~~~w`~~~~w`~~~~~~~~~

Who would want to kill a Goat as kind and as friendly as Doctor Dillamond? Whoever it is will soon pay for the torturous act.

This next and final chapter in the Gillikin Section of the novel, is the largest part of the section. Spanning over forty-eight pages, and eight subsections, this chapter will be full of crucial information.

Here is the link to the Goat symbol Website:
http://valkyrie.kwister.com/home/ascii/mygoat.html

Correction Doctor Dillamond Says goodbye.

As the title has alluded to, it is true. The Beloved Doctor has died, but not in a peaceful manor. In a gruesome act of torture and hatred. Doctor Dillamond’s throat had been slit. The characters in the story find out when Ama Clutch does not return from her investigation the previous night. She was drawing the drapes as she saw a unusual sight from the window in the biology classroom. The girls inquire with M. Morrible and she informs them that Ama Clutch is in the infirmary and she needs to get better. The girls essentially break in to the infirmary, and try to talk with Ama Clutch, but as Galinda had earlier fibbed about - how Ama Clutch was psycho and would talk with inanimate objects, had come true and she began talking with a nail. That is how they find out about Boq on the other hand was not present at this time. He gound out about the tragic event by viewing the corspe when thew wind happened to knock the cloth off of the Goat’s face.

Enlivening: to make sprightly or cheerful; brighten: Flowers enliven any room.

"Enlivening." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 18 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Enlivening>.

Boq Says Goodbye

The final section of Boq is near. Now is a time for celebration! However, that may not be a case. This novel is very similar to Shakespeare plays because, they are tragedies. Each chapter has some sort of conflict that that characters must solve otherwise they are unable to move on with their lives. This next chapter will possibly have a conflict that will need to be solved before the next part of the book can commence.

Boq Part 6

A very short section. Only three pages. But some interesting information is revealed. Boq has found a painting, in a book at the library where he works, of a woman breast feeding a mutant creature. He then brings it to Elphie who informs him of Doctor Dillamonds secretive ways. The conversation takes almost a turn for the worst when Boq asks about Galinda, his crush. Elphie does not understand why she means so much to Boq. “ ‘She is my world,’ he answered. ‘Your worlds is too small if she is in it.” (Maguire 127) Afterwards, they leave so fast, Elphie almost gets run over by an ox.

Empirical: derived from or guided by experience or experiment.

"theory." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 18 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/theory>.

Goodbyes are Never Easy

Now that the troop has left the lake house, who knows what is going to happen. The ride home was awkward to read as well as the relationship between Galinda and Elphie has diminished quite substantially. This next chapter should be a continuation of the story line, but it is the second last subsection in the chapter, meaning that something very interesting is going to happen.

The Wicked Witch of the West is Revealed!

Before the summer is over, Elphie has been invited to a cottage that Galinda has been staying at. It is one of her friends. Boq insists that Elphie goes, and has fun with the girls. However she is unable to go without a chaperone. This is where Avaric falls into place. He is a friend of Boq, and has also been away for the summer. M. Morrible does not approve of the young girl travelling with two young boys, she forces Grommetik to chaperone along with them. Once they arrive at the cottage, it is revealed that the invitation was a prank and they never thought that Elphie would show up. She is very upset and insists that she stays, out of spite.

Disport: to divert or amuse (oneself).

"disport." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 18 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/disport>.

What is Going to Happen?

Section five of Boq, is going to have plenty of information. There are eight full pages that hopefully will expand upon Doctor Dillamond’s troubles with politics and the government of Oz. this could be assumed, due to the overwhelming amount of political information given to the reader so far in this lengthy chapter, and its subsections. After this chapter, there are only two subsections to finish reading until the beginning of a new chapter.

Boq Part 4

Over the course of the summer, Boq and his friends; Crope and Tibbett, have assisted Elphie in her work with Doctor Dillamond. Through his research, the students were able to make connections with some events that happened in the Land of Oz. •Boq studied a Unionist myth that said the Unnamed God cried over the doomed land of Oz, and the animals who swallowed his tears became ‘Animals.’ Elphie studied a myth that stated a Kumbric Witch urinated over the Land of oz, and the animals who swam in it became ‘Animals.’ Towards the end of the chapter, Elphie is scared by a robot type machine. She refers to him as; “Grommetik” (Maguire 116)

Another Boring Prediction

These predictions are beginning to get really repetitive. However, they are important to the study of this novel. It helps readers understand the concepts that are being presents in the novel. Another important reason as to why these predictions are a good idea is to allow for a small break to think about what was just read, and to allot time to understand what happens. Some great questions that were presented in class today are;

The setting of my book is… And I think this is symbolic of…

-The setting of the book is the Land of Oz and it is symbolic of the interesting creatures in the land. They are amazing but are socially out casted.

I cannot believe (I was shocked or surprised)…

-I cannot believe that the Wicked Witch is not as mean growing up as she is depicted in the movie and prologue.

I do not trust…. Because

-The situation should not be trusted because, eventually it will change. Something is going to happen that will make the Witch a Wicked soul.

There are more questions, but they are best to be saved for the next prediction.

Boq Part 3

The summer is in full swing in the land of Oz. Boq has employment at the local library, and he finally has some friends; Crope and Tibbett. They work at the library too. As their conversation takes a turn, Galinda and Elphaba approach. The discussion of Doctor Dillamond arises. They speak highly of him and the academic achievements he has contributed to society. They also speak of how he is not able to teach at the boys school due to the fact that he is an Animal. The topic of the Animal rights is the Land of Oz creates a small picture in the reader’s mind, that the novel will be dealing with the political issues in Oz. There is also a large presence of the issues in the novel. An example of this is, Turtle Heart and Frex discuss some of the leadership issues in the first part of the novel.

Sad Way to Start the Summer

Now that it has been established that it is summer time, Boq, could be going home to be with his family. This could help the reader understand the politics of Oz better, as well as help with more of the details of the Land if Oz. Hopefully this is what happens. It would be interesting to learn about how the counties differ form location, as well as species. That is a racial comment that is relatable with the text. The racial barrier would include the humans, the Animals, and the Munchkins. Those are all the species that are present in the novel so far. Other than the other animal - the non-speaking ones.

Boq Part 2

Finally the secret meeting between Boq, and Galinda has approached. Elphaba is the mastermind behind this meeting, and helped out by ensure that Galinda is at the specific spot at a certain time. However, the plot of setting of the story has hanged. It I now summer in the Land of Oz, and most of the students of Shiz University have left. The meeting consists of the three main characters, meeting at the lettuce patch. Galinda is the least bit delighted. Elphaba is however in an almost drunken stupor. She is unable to stop herself from laughing and mocking the situation. The conversation takes a turn for the worse when Galinda does not reciprocate the feelings the Boq has for her. They leave the area when Ama Clutch informs them they must leave. Elphaba gives Boq an unreadable grin. This assumed a funny, ‘haha’ kind of grin. Mocking him for the failed relationship he fancied.

How is this Relationship Going to Pan Out?

This previous chapter was short, only a couple of pages, but packed with information. Based on the recent information, the reader can assume that the meeting between Galinda and Boq is going to happen quite soon. Also there is a huge possibility that Galinda does not feel the same way about him. What is this chapter going to reveal about the romantic relationships of the story? As well as, how does Elphaba family’s relationships alter her opinion about this situation?

Boqus

The predictions for this chapter were not very accurate other than the larger change that will happen. This chapter now takes place at the boys dormitory and Boq the ‘main’ character. He is being called out with the other boys to go to a pub, but Boq decides to stay in and study. Little do the other boys know, but Boq is going to be informing Galinda of his love for her. After they leave, Boq sneaks across the street to climb a tree and surprise Galinda. Little does he know, but Elphaba sees him and scares him out of the tree. A great quote that is the opposite of a personification is; “You can certainly describe your favourite tree to me, and I’ll tell you if I know where she grows.” (Maguire 98) This line is the opposite of a personification because it is giving an animate object a inanimate characteristics. Boq is scared out of tree by Elphaba, who helps him conceive a plan for him to tell Galinda he loves her. The set a date - three nights away.

Exacerbated: to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.



"exacerbated." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 18 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/exacerbated>.

What the Boq?

A new chapter is about to begin, and the expectations are high. Does Galinda ask Elphaba about her personal life? Will she tell her anything? What about Elphaba’s sister? Will she be introduced to the story? Many questions that only time will be able to tell. This chapter is longer, spanning from pages ninety-three to 129. With seven parts. That means fourteen blogs!

Finally the end of Galinda!

The final part to the Chapter of Galinda has commenced! It is a short chapter, taking up only a page and a quarter. But much is revealed. It is now second semester in the Land of Oz, and earlier prediction, on a life altering event has come true. The futures of the girls lives have been chosen. Galinda has chosen sorcery. This could be due to the fact that there is a potential that she may have the chance to change rooms. Elphaba has also chosen her route of study; natural sciences. Although she is not present in the chapter, Galinda discusses this with M. Morrible. It is also revealed that Elphaba has a sister! Now this is not new information, but the reader now knows that the baby was born, it is a girl, and now she is older. This also leads to the question of her skin colour. It also could be due to the fact that Turtle Heart could be the father. The final line of this chapter alludes to the relationship between Elphaba and Galinda. “But she couldn’t think of how to do it. She didn’t have the nerve.” (Maguire 92) it is interesting how Galinda could be so mean to Elphaba, by trying to ignore her and call her names h=behind her back, yet when she is interested in her personal life, she has much respect for her.

Last Chapter in Gillikin.

Considering that this next chapter is the last chapter in this section, there may be something very intriguing, happen. Usually before a new section starts something life changing and crucial to the plot line happens. This would include; the previous part of the novel. Elphaba was still an infant and Melena reveals that she is pregnant but is unsure of the father. This next chapter could have an interesting turn of events in the story.

Galinda Part 3

Why did she have to go and do something like that? This is what this chapter is all about. Madame Morrible has decided to put together a tea party/poetry reading. Even some of the boys from the other campuses are there. M. Morrible is the person who is leading the ‘soiree’ and she is he one who read the poems. She begins by reading a poem known as a Quell. “The Quell is a brief poem, uplifting in nature. It pairs a sequence of thirteen short lines with a concluding, unrythyming apothegm. The reward of the poem is in the revealing contrast between rhyming argument and concluding remark. Sometimes they may not contradict each other, but always they illuminate and, like all poetry, sanctify life.” (Maguire 83) this Quell has to deal with power and how power controls society. The final line of the poem is in italics. “Bear down on the rod and foil the child.” (Maguire 84) the second poem has to deal with the ongoing problem of social status. This is the issue between the Animals wanting more freedoms within the land of Oz. the final line of this poem is italicized as well. “Animals should be seen and not heard.” This could not necessarily be apart of the Quell, but more of an opinion piece. After the line was stated, Doctor Dillamond was quite upset. Elphaba found Galinda and wanted to discuss the recent affairs with her, but Galinda did not wan to be seen in public with her. The reader is then introduced to a new character. A munchkinlander named Boq. This is quite ironic because there is another chapter that is named the same name. Hmm… Irony? Elphaba has a problem with him, remembering him from her past. She does not want to reveal anything from her past yet. At the end of this chapter, Elphaba went to ask M. Morrible what she meant at the poetry meeting, but she is denied an answer.

Green, Goats, and Girls, Oh My!

The next section should involve a better understanding as to why Galinda does not want to be seen with her roommate. It also could bring back some of the newer characters that have been introduced. Such as; Doctor Dillamond, the Goat. It would be interesting on how the author incorporates his story line with the rest of the novel. Another possibility could include; Galinda and Elphaba becoming friends. They have already bonded over the storm, but it would be interesting to see how their relationship forms into a friendship.

Galinda Part 2

This section of the novel elaborates on the characters and what their presence means for the story. Galinda has her meeting with Madame Morrible, and informs her of his misfortune. In other words a bogus made up story to play on Madame Morrible’s sympathy strings. This involved her Ama and how she was unable to accompany her, as well as how she has a strange disorder in which she randomly begins discussions with inanimate objects. As the situation progresses, there is nothing that Madame can do, and the entire situation begins to take a political point of view.

As the relationship between Elphaba and Galinda progresses, there is a sense of mistrust, unkindly behaviour and a non communication. They also seem to have nothing in common. Galinda has made other friends; Shenshen, Pfannee, and Milla. They are girls from the same social class as Galinda.

The story informs the reader that the current leader of Oz, has been the leader for sixteen years. As well as Elphaba’s family has moved to Quadling County.

One nigh during a storm, the girls bond over staying safe and sound in their room. They discuss the text that Elphaba is reading. It a comparison between good and evil. Eventually this begins to bore Galinda, and she falls asleep. She tells her friends what a loser Elphaba is and tries to distance herself from her.

Galinda A Bad Witch?

In the upcoming chapter, there is little that could lead the reader to a surprise. Now that Galinda knows her roommate, and has a meeting with Madame Morrible, her plotline in the next chapter has laid out. She will most likely complain during her meeting, saying it is unfair that she has to share a room with another girl, and she should have her own. The social aspect of the relationship between Galinda and Elphaba will be intense, because of Galinda’s want to be popular amongst the upper social class.

Part Two Commences!

To start off, this section of the novel, there is a picture of a goat wearing a suit and a pair of glasses. This could explain the theme of magic that has been referenced to so far in the novel. Another clue that this picture can give the reader is the small name above the gate, positioned behind the goat. This almost looks as if the place positioned behind the gate is the place the name is referring to. The buildings look as if they a communal buildings or public/community buildings.



As the text is concerned, the section is introduced by a new character to the story. Her name is Galinda. She is a seventeen year old student that is on route to her new school; The University of Shiz. She was to be accompanied with her Ama, or her nanny, but due to a nail in the foot she will be absent for a few days. She will be completing her fellowship at Crage Hall. The division of the school is similar to those of the University of Oxford, in which the school is run by self governing sections. While on the train to the University, she shares a cab with a Goat. In the novel, animals speak, but only special animals with a capital at the beginning of the type of animal. Doctor Dillamond, a biology professor at the University, shares his outrage of the poor treatment of the Animals, with Galinda. The reader finds out that he is the one responsible for shortening her name. It was Galinda, but he insists on calling her Glinda. Once Galinda reaches the University, she encounters a social issue. Without her Ama there, her room is undecided. It is the Amas job to decided and discuss between themselves who will have what room. The Amas are mainly for rich students. Luckily due to Galinda’s persistence, she is able to make a deal with the headmaster; Madame Morrible. The headmaster allows her to stay with another girl who is unaccompanied and will be needing a chaperone. This girl is Elphaba. Based on the way they interact with each other, they are not going to be getting along.

Darkness Abroad

As the final chapter in this section of the novel, it is longer than most, but is filled with interesting information. Turtle Heart begins to speak of the ‘horrors’ in Quadling and he says this many times that Elphie learns the word and speaks it. This is her first word. Everyone should be proud of her! Turtle begins speaking of the rubies that a in Quadling and if the officials that are taking over the town and building roads find out, they will begin mining. (Hmm, rubies? Sounds like something from the film.) Elphie continues to repeat the word ‘horrors’ and that inspires Turtle to go to Emerald City and speak out on behalf of everyone in Quadling. Frex also decides to do something brave. He decides he is going to become a missionary in Quadling County. This means that both relationships that Melena had going on are broken in a sense. Melena announces that she is pregnant again, but in secret tells Nanny that she is unsure who the father is. Nanny in return gives her a pill, that she insists will ensure the next child is not green or discoloured. At this point Nanny is also facing troubles of her own. Worrying that animals are going to attack. Her fear comes true at the end of the chapter when Elphie goes missing. Turtle continuity says; "she is not far, she is not here” (Maguire) When they find her, she is near the lake and is holding the piece of blown glass, and beside her is a "strange hybrid of tiger and dragon, with glowing orangey eyes” (Maguire) In the glass, Turtle sees that the Wizard of Oz is coming and with him, he does not bring joy, he is bringing Oz into a darkness.

Final Chapter of this Section?

Wow did this section go by fast! It felt like reading a short story. However there are many short stories told in this novel already. In this next chapter, there most likely will be a life changing event or something will be revealed that has to do with a characters future. This could potentially have to do with Elphaba’s future. Maybe Nanny dies, or her mother leaves? Nobody knows.

Child’s Play

After the previous chapter’s geography lesson, the story takes a turn in the gossip direction. The Nanny and Melena have an argument over the socialization aspect of Elphaba’s life. Nanny thinks that Elphie, should start to play with other children. This could help her with learning to speak. Melena is afraid of others might think. She is afraid of exposing Elphaba to other kids, or maybe she is afraid of exposing other children to Elphaba. In the end Nanny wins the battle! They end up taking Elphaba over to the neighbour Gawnette’s house. (In the beginning of the third chapter, the author references her to the townspeople Frex is calling upon for help while he is talking back to the Clock) Gawnette refers to the rumours that have spread about the colour of the childs skin, but allows her to play with her children. In the end, the ladies have nothing to worry about. Elphaba plays nicely with the other children and the ladies only have to call out a few times about not to throw stones.

Could This Chapter Be Leading Up to an Even Better Chapter?

The chapter that is next is a crucial chapter in this novel. It is leading to the final chapter of the section of the book as well as it sets the characters personalities up for the reader to interpret. So far the reader has seen Elphaba as a toddler that is disobeying and evil. She does not listen, she has her own set of rules, and expectations as well as her own standards. She needs to be portrayed as a child soon, otherwise her character that the reader has come to know, will be tarnished with her ‘cute’ reputation. This upcoming chapter also should have a falling out of some kind that will lead to the reader thinking that there is a problem in the near future before the end of the section.

How Many Times Will It Take to Get It Right?

After reading that Melena had committed adultery, I am ready to move on and read something new. Hopefully progressing Elphaba’s storyline. I am kind of sick of the state that Melena is in. With her relationship with Frex not working out, she is out of options and out of time to have a good life. She should leave and run away with Turtle Heart. That would be interesting to read. It would also be interesting to she how Maguire would progress the relationship between Elphaba and her father, as well as, later in the book, see the emotional damage that Elphaba’s mother leaving caused.

Geographies of the Seen and Unseen

Throughout this chapter, the geography of the world of Oz is explained. Exactly as the title explains. Frex explains this to Turtle Heart as part of his understanding of the world of OZ. Being from a small area and not exposed to much history, or geography, he asks Frex to explain it to him. Little does he know that Turtle is trying to get him on his good side. J the conversation turns to politics after a nap is in question. They begin to talk about the ruler of Oz which turns out to be a child around Elphaba’s age. However there is a stand in for the moment until she is ready to be a ruler. Her name is Ozma Tippetarius, and the stand-in ruler is her father; Ozma Regent.

The Quadling Glassblower

This chapter starts off a year later. Elphaba is now older and a toddler. She and her mother have an interesting sort of relationship/bond. Melena has begun talking ot her as if she were an adult. Telling her things such as her and Frex’s sex life. She also sharing information on how she would go about killing Elphaba. Including the fact that she would not go near water. Indicating towards that movie, in which the Witch melts from being splashed with water. A man appears at the door of the cottage. His name is Turtle Heart, he is a glass blower from Quadling. He ends up blowing a piece of a mirror for the girls, and Elphaba is entranced in it. She does not take her eyes off of it. Meanwhile, Turtle Heart and Melena have sex many times, before Frex comes home with Nanny. Frex welcomes the stranger into his home.

What Could be Worse, Than to be Not Loved?

The situation in the novel so far has completed a complete 360º . In this case the story has flipped from the reader favouring the main characters but to favouring the underdog. This leaves the future of the story up to the characters to pan out themselves. Hopefully they make the correct choices and do not mess up in a sense that Elphaba’s life is at jeopardy. Similar to the circumstance at the end of the previous chapter. When the ladies wanted to leave Elphaba there to die, or even to kill her themselves. Some of the situations in this novel so far have felt like they are putting a life in risk. The next chapter should elaborate more on Elphaba’s relationship with her parents and her surroundings.

Maladies and Remedies

This chapter deals with the social aspect of the baby’s deformity. The young girl is given the name Elphaba, after Saint Aelphaba of the Waterfall. The reader also learns that Melena’s old nanny, has come to visit and help take care of the baby. She is not thrilled, due to the lack of enthusiasm that Melena and Flex are showing. The nanny helps the couple out by showing them that their baby is not abnormal, and only her skin colour is different. Frex on the other hand, decides to perform an exorcism on the child, to see if that will help with the discolouration of her skin. However this tactic does not succeed. During this, the nanny and Melena chat about a possible affair that could have led to the skin disorder. After learning that Melena was taking drugs, as well as drinking certain ‘drinks,’ the nanny discover that Melena drank a ‘miracle elixir’ while pregnant and that could have been that cause of the discolouration. The final line in this chapter shows a side of the story that no one has thought about up until this point. “Perhaps, thought Nanny, little green Elphaba chose her own sex, and her own color, and to hell with her parents.” (Maguire)

OMG That is So NOT My Kid!

After what is revealed in the previous chapter, one can guess what is going to happen in the next chapter. Frex will go home and discover his wife missing, or find them there. He will see that his wife has giving birth to a girl, that has green skin. Melena on the other hand is most likely going to freak out when she finds out that her daughter is green. Or she could freak out at the fact that she had a demon inside of her for that long. The title indicates that they could be coming up with some form of remedy that will change the colour of her skin or her teeth. More or less, they want to change her, to fit in with the roles and norms of society.

The Birth of a Witch

This chapter had a lot of crucial information presented to the reader in such a short amount of time. Within the matter of six and a half pages, Frex is beaten by his own congregation due to the influences of “The Clock.” A puppet show is performed in which a wooden Frex, has a large amount of gold, and is hiding it from everyone, while the other puppets in the show stab him over it, as well as eat him. This is similar to the novel Lord of the Flies (Golding). The chapter progresses as Melena enters into labour, while the ladies the Frex sent to help her were there. She begins to deliver as townspeople from the riot come to attack her. Luckily the ladies move Melena to safety. Coincidentally, Melena was moved to “The Clock” cart, in which she delivered the baby. The baby was green and has razor sharp teeth. The baby bites into one of the ladies. After this, the ladies leave Melena and the baby alone in “the Clock.”

Pipkin: a small, earthen pot.

"pipkin." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 05 1 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pipkin>.

What do you Think…?

Due to the dramatic conclusion of the previous chapter, I suspect that the next chapter; “The Birth of a Witch,” will involve the Clock. Potentially as a conflict that the main characters will have to work out or potentially a crisis will arise. Other predictions could include; the birth of the witch, hence the title of the chapter. Melena, quite possibly might go into labour and deliver the “witch” baby. Whom one could guess the story is focussed around - the back cover of the novel allows for this type of insight into the novel.

The Clock of the Time Dragon

This chapter was a tad bit odd. The main character of the story so far; Frex, has been reading letters from another minister that happens to be his cousin. In the letters that he has received, is graphic imagery. The first letter is written in hate. The minister has seen a travelling building, such as travelling circus, with a gold dragon on it. As he moves closer he sees that there are puppets, marionettes, and figurines (Maguire) He is outraged because, the performances that the circus cart is performing is against what he preaches and is wrong in his mind set. The second letter is in depth with what is happening in this puppet show. It involves a dragon and a couple that is sleeping. As well as a scene where a man is having a threesome with a local widow and her daughter. The audience at this show has formed a small riot based on what had happened in the play, and began to act it out in their community. The minister informs Frex that the Clock is visiting his area next. Frex is determined to save his congregation from this mockery of a show, before the Clock starts a riot.

Predictions for next chapter:

I think that the next chapter is going to continue with the same story line. Either progressing Frexs' story line, or Melenas' story line. If Frexs' story line is continued, the chapter could involve the minister business he is involved in, or his thoughts on the baby that his wife will be delivering in the near future. Melenas' chapter could involve her thought process on the minister business that her husband is involved in, or the baby she is going to deliver. She could also deliver that baby in this next chapter.

The Root of Evil

This chapter of the book starts with two characters;named Melena, and Frex. Melena is pregnant and Frex is a minister of a church. Throughout this chapter the couple are fighting over the baby and how life is going to pan out after it is born. There is also a hint that they think that the baby is going to be a male. Referring to the baby as, “Your son” (Maguire). Toward the end of the chapter, Frex leaves to help the community with a problem.



Asceticism: the doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and the like.



Idolatry: the religious worship of idols.



Tirade: a prolonged outburst of bitter, outspoken denunciation: a tirade against smoking.

"Asceticism." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 03 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Asceticism>.

"Idolatry." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 03 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Idolatry>.

"Tirade." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 03 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Tirade>.

Educated Guess...

At this point it will be hard to make a prediction for the first chapter in this book, this is because the prologue does not give any clues as to how the journey begins. The prologue only shows what is happening at the mid-end section of the novel. So far the main character has been introduced. Some information or rather, gossip, has been shared. Her reputation has been outlined as well as a stereotype has been brought forward. The movie stereotype of the wicked Witch, a green foul monster, that is evil to the core has created a type of imagery for the reader so soon in the book, without having to mention anything about her personality or appearance. The Witch and her broom have established that the Witch is powerful and greedy, as well as secretive and watchful. She is also very involved and interested in what she is planning. The prologue indicates a sense of this interest just by ending this section with the lines; “No matter that the companions had hurried away. The Witch could wait. They would meet again.” (Maguire) This tells the reader that not only is she interested in these creatures on the yellow brick road, but they will meet again sometime in this novel.

Prologue

Throughout the prologue of the book, the Wicked Witch of the West, is hovering above the four main characters of the Wizard of Oz. As she descends on her broom, and is within earshot of them she begins to listen. As soon as the dialogue begins, there is a sense that this novel is intended for an older audience rather than family friendly such as the film. Dialogue including the references to hermaphrodites and referring her to a married man, (Maguire) the novel starts off as a pre-warning to readers that this novel will deal with similar subject matter. The prologue ends with the line; “No matter that the companions had hurried away. The Witch could wait. They would meet again.” (Maguire)

Here is a list of words that were used in this chapter. Knowing the definition of these words may help in the understanding of the section.

Impertinent: intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions; insolently rude; uncivil: a brash, impertinent youth.

Insinuating: tending to instill doubts, distrust, etc.; suggestive: an insinuating letter.

Desiccated: dehydrated or powdered: desiccated coconut.

Works Cited:

"Desiccated." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 01 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Desiccated>.

"impertinent." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 01 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/impertinent>.

"Insinuating." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 01 Oct. 2011. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Insinuating>.

Maguire, Gregory. Wicked . New York City: HarperCollins Publishers, 1995. 406. Print. <http://books.google.com/books/feeds/volumes?q=wicked>.