Elphaba fakes her death by staging an elaborate ruse involving water, capitalizing on the widespread rumors throughout Oz that water is deadly to her.
Elphaba orchestrates her apparent demise during a confrontation where Dorothy throws a bucket of water on her. This act creates the illusion that the water has indeed melted or killed her, aligning perfectly with the prevalent whispers about her vulnerability to water.
To enhance the deception and leave behind tangible "evidence," Elphaba strategically leaves behind her distinct mother's green bottle at the scene. This prop serves as a crucial element in solidifying the belief that she has perished.
Key Elements of the Deception:
- Exploitation of Rumors: She skillfully leverages the existing fear and belief among the citizens of Oz that water is her undoing.
- Staged Incident: Her "death" is precisely timed and executed when Dorothy uses a bucket of water, making it appear as a direct consequence.
- Physical Evidence: The green bottle is intentionally left behind at the scene to corroborate the staged death, serving as a convincing piece of proof for those who find it.
Interestingly, this green bottle later plays a significant role in a major revelation, as the Wizard of Oz eventually recognizes it, uncovering the secret that he is, in fact, Elphaba's father.
