Book Notes: Setting

Map of Oz

There are various regions in the Land of Oz that hold distinct ideologies. The Land of Oz was inspired from the original story of “The Wizard of Oz” but with deep complexity that strongly reflects our society even though it is a fantasy world.

Munchkin Country:

Munchkinland in "The Wizard of Oz"

The novel begins by familiarising the audience with the birth of Elphaba in Munchkinland. Elphaba was born in Munchkin Country but soon has to relocate with her family in order to protect her from the outside world. Her parents (especially her mother, Melena) expect seclusion and mockery from the citizens if Elphaba is released to the outside world and do not feel it is a wise decision if they want her to have a normal growth. The Nanny blackmails Melena to let Elphaba go to the Rush Margins (a park) and interact with children near her age to develop social skills. This change of setting was important with Elphaba’s self discovery as a human living in the Land of Oz. If she was secluded from society her whole life she would not have had the chance to establish a name for herself. In my grade 11 psychology class, I learnt about feral children and the obstacles they had to overcome after they had been in seclusion as an infant. This incident made me think about the characteristics she developed with society after she was introduced to the public and the ramifications surrounding Elphaba’s future identity as the Wicked Witch of the West. Nessarose (Elphaba’s sister) was also born with physical abnormalities in Munchkin Country. She was also faced with prejudice from the public and she developed a common understanding with her big sister. Munchkinland begin acting violently due to religious tensions in Munchkinland surrounding its agriculture. Munchkinland is an agriculture region in the Land of Oz suffering from a major drought that leads to the reliance on several eccentric ideas to provide a fast conclusion to their agronomy problems (Resulting in Turtle Hearts death).
Quadling Country:

My illustration of Quadling Country

The discussion of Quadling Country first occurs with the appearance of Turtle Heart. Quadling Country is considered undeveloped, swampy and without culture. Munchkinlander’s describe them as artistic and sexually free. (Turtle Heart was a glassblower who began an affair with Melena). The citizens of Quadling Country are displayed in a negative light to the rest of Oz. Elphaba and Nessarose moved to Quadling Country after their birth and lived away from society to escape the intolerance of the public. The decimation of the population and ecosystem of Quadling Country is initiated when the Wizard send forces to clear the land for mining to find rubies situated underneath the region. Quadling Country played a major role in the development of Elphaba and Nessarose and could illustrate their disapproval of Emerald City.

Shiz University

Gillikin Country:

 Gillikin Country is home to Shiz University is a industry developed and prosperous region in the Land of Oz. Glinda (the Good Witch of the North) is a native Gillikinese. The citizens are distinguished by their large foreheads, gapped front teeth and curly blond hair. Shiz University is a cluster of several distinct collages and is illustrated by looking like a cluster of various types of architecture. Elphaba and Glinda become roommates in Crage Hall (an only female college due to the apparent gender segregation). This was the start of a complicated relationship amongst the duo and its significance plays a major role in the development of Elphaba’s independent character.