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>.