How Gregory Maguire's "Wicked" reimagines the Wizard of Oz

Dramatic Elements of the Plot of "Wicked"

Few stories have been as popular as that of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" which was written by L. Frank Baum (published in 1900), and was then turned into one of the most popular movies of all time in 1939. The plot of this particular story has gone through several incarnations, from "The Wiz" to various popular songs, and most recently it was reimagined in a series of books written by Gregory Maguire. The first of these was called "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" which imagined what the true story of the characters in the book and movie could have been. Maguire's book was turned into a very successful play titled "Wicked" which was first produced in 2003 (de Giere). This essay deals with the plot elements of the play "Wicked," its universal meaning, and the personal value of that meaning.

Exposition

The play is set in the land of Oz which is readily recognizable to all who have seen the original movie. Oz is a land of magical creatures who owe fealty to a wizard who governs the land. The setting of this musical play is not set in the first song as is the case in many musicals. The musical begins where the movie ends (with the melting of the Wicked Witch of the West), but after this initial tie to the movie the action surrounds the "life and times" of that witch. Therefore, the setting is an earlier version of the Land of Oz where Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, was born and raised.

The characters are also changed from the movie because this is prior to Dorothy visiting the Land of Oz. The two primary characters are Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (later Glinda), the Good Witch of the North. Elphaba and Glinda meet when they attend the same school. Elphaba is shunned by the other students and somewhat ostracized while Glinda is the most popular student in school. The Wizard is also prominent in the story as an actor who desires to be popular (like Glinda) and as the head of the government. Prince Flyero is a flighty young man who becomes the love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda. Many minor characters, such as Dr. Dillamond, move throughout the action and add depth to the story.

The play is primarily focused on the life of the Wicked Witch of the West, but there are many subplots which tie the major thrust of the story together. Elphaba originally has to deal with the fact that she is different from all of the other people in Oz because of her skin tone. She suffers the same discrimination that many have endured because of their color or race. Due to the fact that she is different, Elphaba develops an affinity for others who are treated differently by society at large. She sees that the talking animals of Oz are being mistreated and she tries to advocate for them with the Wizard. Another subplot involves the friendship that grows between Glinda and Elphaba culminating in the first song in which Glinda shows the other residents of Oz that Elphaba was misunderstood.

Climax

Two songs mark the lead-in to the climax of the play. Elphaba and Flyero are finally united in their love for one another, but, as has been the case in many other plays (such as Romeo and Juliet), the moment romance begins tragedy also starts. Flyero gets into trouble with the government which causes Elphaba to start living up to the reputation her appearance and advocacy of the animals has earned her. The Wizard and Madame Morrible set out to defame Elphaba and to throw her into jail or kill her. The other citizens of Oz believe that Elphaba is wicked, as has been publicized by Morrible, and they seek to stop her before she can harm them. The actions of the citizens of Oz are honest because they do not know about Elphaba's efforts to save the animals from the draconian laws that the government has imposed. The true culmination of action happens in both the beginning and ending songs of the play when Elphaba is melted by the errant action of Dorothy.

Falling Action

It is interesting to note that the falling action of the play happens prior to all of the other action. Glinda realizes that Elphaba is being unjustly criticized by the government because she is a good target and because Elphaba opposes the government's treatment of the animals. Glinda's respect for Elphaba grows, and the two of them sing one of the final songs of the play (Wicked) demonstrating the love and respect they have for each other in the end. Glinda also tries to get the other residents of Oz to see the government for what they really are while attempting to change their minds about Elphaba. Unfortunately, the prejudice and manipulation of the governments forces proves to be too strong, and, in the end, Glinda can only mourn the loss of her friend and try to right people's wrong impressions about her.

Play Conclusion

The play concludes with the same song that began the action. However, the tone of the song can now be understood by those who are watching the action. The finale is mournful, as was the introductory song, but because of the explanation given during the play, the audience understands that the passing of the, so-called, Wicked Witch of the West is a sad event. Because of her passing it can now be assumed that Oz is a little worse, and that the animals have lost a true advocate.

Universal Meaning

Too often, people rely on an initial impression to determine how they will feel about another. In the case of Elphaba, this impression is largely formed by the fact that she is a deep shade of green and looks like the person she is portrayed as. However, Elphaba actually is a misunderstood character who just wants to do what is right, and she wants to be accepted for who she is not what she looks like. It seems that this is the goal of most people. The saying "don't judge a book by its cover" is the universal meaning that permeates the story of Wicked.

Value of the Meaning

This play is a reminder that people are different (which is one of the beauties of humanity), and that the opinion of the mob is often incorrect. It is better to reserve judgment until a person, or a group of people is actually understood. Elphaba was maligned by the Wizard and Madame Morrible for their own purposes which had nothing to do with who Elphaba actually was. It is something that every person needs to take to heart in their interactions with others; especially those who are different than others in a society.