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.