We're like the wicked witch. We promise gingerbread, then eat the little brats alive.
In Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game," a quote likening people to a wicked witch captures a darker aspect of human nature. The reference to promising gingerbread only to betray trust by harming the innocent symbolizes manipulative behavior and the deceptive promises made to children and the vulnerable. This suggests that while one may present a friendly facade, there is often a sinister intent lurking beneath the surface.
This metaphor reveals the complexities of moral ambiguity in the story, emphasizing the sacrifices made in the pursuit of power or survival. Just as the witch lures children with sweets, the characters in "Ender's Game" grapple with their own compromises, reflecting the harsh realities of manipulation and betrayal in relationships and society.