The Witch Spies on the Companions

The Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, balances on the wind above the Yellow Brick Road, observing Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion as they rest beneath a black willow tree. She listens to their gossip about her, which ranges from claims that she was castrated at birth to that she is a spurned lover or a married man. The Witch is deeply irked by their patronizing speculations. When the girl, Dorothy, moves, the Witch catches sight of her sister's silver shoes, which sparkle like yellow diamonds. The Witch is reminded of her need for the shoes, which she believes are rightfully hers. However, a storm forces her to take shelter, and she resolves to wait for them to meet again.