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Language and Communication Quotes in Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph) and (Volume.Chapter.Section.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"Horrors," said Elphaba.

It was her first word, and it was greeted with silence. Even the moon, a lambent bowl among the trees, seemed to pause.

"Horrors?" Elphaba said again, looking around. (1.8.24-26)

This probably isn't something you'd want to put on the "baby's first word" page of your baby book. It's fantastic that Elphaba seems to stun the entire world; even the moon "seemed to pause" at hearing it.

Quote #5

"Animals should be seen and not heard."

Again, there was mumbling, but it was of a different nature now; a meaner key. Doctor Dillamond harrumphed and beat a cloven hoof against the floor, and was heard to say, "Well, that's not poetry, that's propaganda, and it's not even good propaganda at that." (2.1.3.10-11)

Madame Morrible's poetry slam certainly goes over like a lead balloon. She deviously uses the venue as a forum for spouting off some scandalous political ideas.

Quote #6

Though in a script too crabbed and archaic for Boq to decipher, perhaps this document supported the fable of a Kumbric Witch spell that gave the Animals the gifts of speech, memory, and remorse. (2.2.6.3)

The detail of Boq being unable to read the script on this picture puts a new spin on the theme of miscommunication that's running through the book.