What Would Have Happened If the Wicked Witch Got Dorothy's Ruby Slippers in The Wizard of Oz?

The ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz are not just a symbol of Dorothy's journey home; they are a powerful magical tool, bestowing a significant amount of power upon the wearer. If the Wicked Witch had acquired these slippers, the narrative would have shifted dramatically, leading to a darker and more complex storyline. This reimagining will explore the potential outcomes and changes in the plot dynamics, as well as the impact on the story's resolution.

Increased Power

The ruby slippers are enchanted with immense magical power. Granting the wearer command over powerful spells and abilities, the Wicked Witch's possession of the shoes would have significantly enhanced her magical prowess. This would not only make her even more formidable but also more difficult to defeat, complicating the plot and environment for Dorothy and her companions.

Control Over Dorothy

The ruby slippers have a unique connection to Dorothy, a connection that might be exploited by the Wicked Witch if she had them. This could lead to the Wicked Witch exerting control over Dorothy, potentially using her as a pawn in achieving her own ambitions. This control over Dorothy could set her up as a dangerous adversary, altering the trust and relationships within the storyline.

Change in Plot Dynamics

With Dorothy no longer able to use the slippers to return home, the plot would shift dramatically. Instead of focusing on Dorothy's journey back, the story would revolve around finding a way to reclaim the slippers or discovering another method of escape. This could involve Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion working together to overcome the Wicked Witch's control and reach Oz's borders.

The Witch's Plans

The Wicked Witch might use the ruby slippers to consolidate power over the other inhabitants of Oz. This could lead to a reign of terror, causing other characters to unite against her in a more desperate struggle for freedom. The sense of unity and purpose among the characters would shift, potentially creating a more intense and suspenseful narrative.

The Resolution

Ultimately, the story's resolution would depend on the ability of Dorothy and her friends to overcome the Wicked Witch despite her newfound power. This could involve new alliances, discovering other weaknesses of the Wicked Witch, or finding a way to neutralize the power of the ruby slippers. The journey would be more difficult, leading to a more complex and compelling resolution.

However, it's worth noting that in the original 1900 book, the ruby slippers are actually silver shoes. The filmmakers changed them to ruby slippers in the 1939 film to take full advantage of the new color technology available at the time. The original novel's silver shoes play a different role in the story, so if the Wicked Witch had acquired them, it's uncertain how it would have played out.

Ultimately, the acquisition of the ruby slippers by the Wicked Witch would have led to a darker and more complex storyline, with Dorothys journey becoming a more difficult battle for freedom and homecoming.