Welcome to a journey into the heart of “Wicked,” where the familiar tale of Oz takes on new dimensions of depth and meaning. Gregory Maguire’s reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s classic invites us to explore themes that resonate far beyond the pages of fantasy.
In this post, we’ll delve into the core themes of friendship, defiance, and the nuances of good versus evil that define the essence of “Wicked.” Join us as we uncover the layers of this timeless narrative, illuminating its relevance and impact on readers both young and old.
The Friendship Between Elphaba and G(a)linda
At first, Elphaba and Galinda could not stand each other. But, as they got to know one another, they became the best of friends, despite being very different people. Galinda started out as a ditzy, popular girl, while Elphaba was the rebel.
Just before a school dance, Galinda is given a black witch’s hat, which she ultimately gives to Elphaba. Although it is not done out of kindness, but rather to get rid of the hat and in a sense, play a joke on Elphaba. She also gets Boc to ask Elphaba’s sister to the dance (to get Boc to leave her alone). To repay her, Elphaba gets Madame Horrible to give Galinda a training wand.
When Galinda finds this out and sees Elphaba dancing alone, she dances with her. From that point on, the girls become friends. Their friendship becomes so close, that they even survive falling for the same boy.
Through the ups and downs of their journey, Elphaba and G(a)linda support each other, offering solace, guidance, and companionship in the face of adversity. Their friendship is a source of strength, providing them with the courage to defy injustice and pursue their own paths, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Ultimately, the friendship portrayed in “Wicked” reminds us of the profound impact that our relationships can have on our lives. It teaches us to value authenticity, loyalty, and empathy, and inspires us to cultivate meaningful connections with others, even in the most unlikely of circumstances. Through the bond between Elphaba and Glinda, “Wicked” celebrates the enduring power of friendship to transcend boundaries and transform lives.
Defiance
At its core, the character of Elphaba epitomizes defiance. From her earliest days as the green-skinned outcast to her eventual role as the misunderstood “Wicked Witch of the West,” Elphaba defied the labels and limitations imposed upon her by society. She refused to accept the narrow definitions of good and evil, choosing instead to forge her own path and stand up for what she believed is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Elphaba’s defiance was not born out of a desire for power or glory but rather from a deep-seated sense of justice and empathy. She was willing to challenge authority and sacrifice her own safety and happiness to fight for the rights of others, particularly those who are marginalized and oppressed. Her acts of defiance inspired others to join her cause, igniting a spark of rebellion that ultimately led to profound societal change.
Moreover, “Wicked” explores the notion of defiance on a broader scale, confronting the systemic injustices and inequalities that pervade the world of Oz. Through its social and political allegories, the story shines a light on issues such as discrimination, corruption, and the abuse of power, prompting readers to question the legitimacy of authority and take a stand against injustice in all its forms.
Good Versus Evil
This age-old debate centers on how clear-cut the good/evil divide is. The classic view positions them as complete opposites – kindness vs. cruelty, compassion vs. hatred. Good is championed, evil is vanquished, often reflected in classic stories.
Some think good and evil aren’t so clear-cut. Maybe they’re more like shades on a spectrum. Here, actions and choices can be seen as more or less good or evil depending on the situation. This view also considers the motivations behind the actions. Stealing food to feed your family might be seen differently than stealing for personal gain https://bluemarblereview.com/good-vs-evils-implications-for-literature-and-society/.
In the Wizard of Oz, which is what Wicked is based on, the wicked witch is evil. It is black and white; there is no gray. But, in Wicked, Elphaba (the wicked witch) is not evil, but more a victim of circumstances. She challenges the status quo, and therefore, when those in power turn on her, leading the people to turn on.
Glinda is also not pure good, not in the beginning. Going by Galinda then, she is popular and ditzy and while not outright cruel, she is also not kind. She uses Bosc’s affections for her to convince him to ask Nessarose to the dance, so she can go with Fiyero, the popular boy. She gives Elphaba a hat, something she said she would not wish on anyone.
Conclusion
In the fantastical land of Oz, the witches’ war between good and evil becomes a backdrop for an unlikely friendship. Elphaba, misunderstood and ostracized for her magical abilities, and Glinda, born into privilege yet yearning for more, defy societal expectations to forge a powerful bond. Their journey reminds us that friendship can bridge divides, that defiance can spark change, and that even the seemingly wicked can possess the potential for good.
AC & the Virtual Virtuosos 
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