Which character's destruction by water signifies a return to nature?

• A. Wizard
• B. Wicked Witch of the West
• C. Wicked Witch of the East
• D. Toto

Answer: (B)

The destruction of the Wicked Witch of the West by water serves as a powerful symbol of the return to nature and the cleansing element that water represents. In the context of the narrative, water acts as a transformative force, ultimately leading to both the physical defeat of the Wicked Witch and the liberation of Dorothy and her friends from her tyranny. The act of pouring water on the Witch not only eliminates her but also represents a reclamation of the natural order, disrupting the dark and oppressive environment that she embodies.

This moment highlights the contrast between the corrupting influence of the Witch and the purity associated with water. The Witch's demise in this manner suggests that natural elements have the power to overcome malevolent forces, reinforcing the theme of nature's ability to restore balance and harmony. Additionally, it symbolizes the idea that nature will ultimately assert itself against the forces of evil and oppression.

In the larger narrative, the use of water as a destructive force against the Witch also establishes a connection to themes of liberation and rebirth, reinforcing the cycle of nature overcoming unnatural circumstances.