When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing more to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader.
--Plato

Consider: Frex, Madame Morrible, Glinda, Doctor Dillamond, the Wizard
How would they understand Plato? How do you understand them in light of Plato's comment?

Class Discussion
November 15

Thanks for reading, Meredith.

How do you know that you know what you know? (HDYK?)

We made a statement that each character would say about this quote and found evidence in the text. FOR EXAMPLE?

• MM - secret helper; creating civil war for the wizard (157) "By an authority vested in me..."
• MM - the wizard is not a tyrant - he has a good cause behind the war he is stirring up.

We realized it applies to a tyrant, but does it apply to a leader that the majority sees as a good leader? We couldn't answer our question.

People abandon a leader when there is nothing left to fear; he will manipulate them, case a "bad situation" so they will come back under his authority. SO, do you think that MM agrees that leaders have bad intentions?

• she would think it doesn't matter if it's good for the people, working for her own good.
• HDYK?
• Why is she on the wizard's side?
• Is she selfish trying to improve her place in society?
• Does she think this is best for OZ - unification under one leader (the wizard)

MM is really insecure; obsessed with social status; treating girls of lower status poorly. Does she realize how she is affecting succeeding generations? They can be confused by her brainwashing.

• 157 - the wizard had a purpose for her; she was supposed to find people to work for his goal
• she is sly about what she does - talking about Ama Clutch's death HDYK - text?

Assuming MM is aware of the impact of her actions, is she a tyrant?

• yes she is, she wants these girls to follow her, she wants absolute power HDYK - text?
• smart girls go to Shiz

5 minutes

MM: reading the poem, appoint girls as witches - not small actions

MM makes some of her own decisions, but the wizard is really in control. HDYK - text?

3 minutes

She is controlling the school, choosing servants of the wizard.

If you have something else to say, write it down. Time's up.

Michael, Trevor, Laura