A Railroad Baron/or also Bank as the Wicked Witch of the West
"She (the Witch of the West) looked down at Dorothy's feet, and seeing the Silver Shoes, began to tremble with fear, for she knew what a powerful charm belonged to them. At first the Witch was tempted to run away from Dorothy; but she happened to look into the child's eyes and saw how simple the soul behind them was, and that the little girl did not know of the wonderful power the Silver Shoes gave her. So the Wicked Witch laughed to herself, and thought, 'I can still make her my slave, for she does not know how to use her power.' Then she said to Dorothy, harshly and severely, 'Come with me; and see that you mind everything that I tell you, for if you do not I will make an end to you, as I did of the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow.'"
The monopolistic railroad barons of the late 1800s ruled over the common workers and farmers, controlling the farmers shipping expenses and manipulating the earnings of railroad workers. In the same way, the Wicked Witch of the West made an end to the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow. Many people, including Baum, feared that the population of the US (Dorothy) would be the next victim.
Or, some also believe that the Wicked Witch of the West was also the banks and controlled the Winged Monkeys who were the Railroads, and with their help controlled the Winkies (Chinese railroad workers). Dorothy eventually kills The Witch of the West buy throwing a bucket of water on the witch. This act displays the power of the farmer to free themselves from the shackles of the banks if only farmers can manage the advantage of water.
Share with your friends: |