
The musical Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West", offers a captivating reimagining of the classic story The Wizard of Oz. While the original tale paints the Wicked Witch of the West as a purely evil figure, Wicked delves into the complex life of Elphaba, exploring the events and relationships that shaped her into the "wicked" woman she becomes. Born with green skin, Elphaba experiences prejudice and rejection from a young age. Her father, the governor of Munchkinland, disowns her 1, and her mother dies after a difficult pregnancy with Elphaba's younger sister, Nessarose 2. These early experiences plant the seeds of mistrust and shape Elphaba's perception of the world and her relationships. One of the most significant themes in Wicked is trust, and how its presence or absence influences Elphaba's choices throughout the story. This article will analyze how Elphaba's relationships with Glinda, Nessarose, Fiyero, and the Wizard, as well as the broader social context of Oz, impact her decisions and ultimately contribute to her transformation.
Elphaba and Glinda: A Friendship Forged and Broken by Trust

Elphaba and Glinda's relationship is central to Wicked. Initially, they are an unlikely pair: Elphaba, the green-skinned outcast, and Glinda, the popular and bubbly socialite. Despite their differences, they form a deep bond, demonstrating the power of friendship to transcend social barriers. This friendship is built on a foundation of trust, as they confide in each other, support each other's aspirations, and challenge each other's perspectives.
Their initial interactions are fraught with misunderstandings and rivalry. Glinda, trying to be helpful in her own way, gives Elphaba an ugly hat as a joke, leading to further ridicule from their peers 3. However, Glinda eventually recognizes Elphaba's vulnerability and steps in to dance with her, marking a turning point in their relationship 3. They begin to confide in each other, with Elphaba sharing her difficult upbringing and Glinda attempting to help Elphaba gain social acceptance 4.
This period of mutual support and understanding is crucial for Elphaba's development. Glinda's friendship provides Elphaba with a sense of belonging and validation that she has rarely experienced before. It allows her to open up and trust someone, despite her ingrained mistrust of the world.
However, their trust is tested as their differing views on the Wizard and his regime come to light. Elphaba, witnessing the Wizard's corruption and his oppression of Animals, feels betrayed by the figure she once admired. This betrayal extends to Glinda, who chooses to remain loyal to the Wizard, prioritizing her social standing and popularity over Elphaba's fight for justice. This pivotal moment marks a turning point in their relationship and in Elphaba's life. The breakdown of trust between them leads Elphaba to embrace her "wicked" label and embark on a path of defiance against the Wizard 5.
Elphaba's defiance culminates in the iconic "Defying Gravity" scene, where she rejects the Wizard's offer to join him and instead chooses to fight for her beliefs 6. This act represents Elphaba's ultimate rejection of societal expectations and her decision to trust her own instincts and beliefs, even if it means standing alone 7.
While their friendship is fractured, it is not entirely broken. Glinda eventually realizes the error of her ways and comes to understand Elphaba's perspective. Though they take different paths, their shared history and the lingering affection between them suggest the possibility of reconciliation and redemption.
Elphaba and Nessarose: Sisterhood and Sacrifice

Elphaba's relationship with her sister, Nessarose, is another significant influence on her choices. Nessarose, born prematurely and paralyzed due to their father's actions 2, is deeply dependent on Elphaba. This dependence fosters a strong sense of responsibility and protectiveness in Elphaba. She feels obligated to care for Nessarose and often puts her sister's needs before her own.
This dynamic is further complicated by their father's favoritism towards Nessarose 1. Elphaba, already feeling like an outsider due to her green skin, experiences a sense of inadequacy and resentment towards her sister. This complex mix of love, responsibility, and resentment shapes Elphaba's interactions with Nessarose and influences her decisions.
Nessarose's eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch of the East 8Â adds another layer of complexity to their relationship. Elphaba feels a sense of guilt and responsibility for her sister's fate, believing that her own actions contributed to Nessarose's descent into "wickedness." This guilt further fuels Elphaba's own transformation and her determination to fight against the forces that corrupted her sister.
Elphaba and Fiyero: Love and Trust in a World of Deception

Elphaba's relationship with Fiyero is another crucial element in her journey. Fiyero, initially portrayed as a carefree and somewhat shallow prince, is drawn to Elphaba's intelligence and integrity. He sees beyond her green skin and recognizes her true character, offering her love and acceptance in a world that constantly rejects her 9.
Their relationship is built on mutual trust and understanding. Fiyero supports Elphaba's cause, even when it means defying Glinda and the Wizard. He becomes her confidant and ally, standing by her side as she fights for justice. This trust empowers Elphaba and strengthens her resolve to challenge the Wizard's authority 5.
However, their love is tested by the manipulations of the Wizard and Madame Morrible. Fiyero's supposed death devastates Elphaba, further fueling her anger and despair. This loss reinforces her belief that "no good deed goes unpunished" and pushes her further down the path of "wickedness" 2.
The loss of Fiyero is a profound betrayal for Elphaba. It reinforces her sense of isolation and confirms her fears that she is destined to be alone. This experience deepens her mistrust of the world and strengthens her resolve to fight against the forces that have caused her so much pain.
Elphaba and the Wizard: Betrayal and the Loss of Innocence

Elphaba's initial admiration for the Wizard stems from a desire for acceptance and a belief in his power to bring positive change to Oz. She trusts him as a leader and a mentor, hoping he will recognize her potential and help her use her magic for good 6.
However, this trust is shattered when she discovers the Wizard's true nature: a manipulative and power-hungry fraud who uses propaganda and fear to maintain control. This betrayal is a significant catalyst in Elphaba's transformation. It forces her to confront the harsh realities of Oz and question the very foundations of her beliefs 6.
The Wizard's propaganda tactics, such as scapegoating Animals and controlling the narrative 10, mirror real-world instances of political manipulation and social control. This realization is a crucial turning point for Elphaba. It forces her to confront the complexities of good and evil and recognize that those in power are not always trustworthy.
The Wizard's deception not only undermines Elphaba's trust in authority but also reinforces her sense of isolation and otherness. It confirms her fears that she will always be an outsider, judged and feared for her green skin and her powerful magic.
The Social Context of Oz: Trust and the "Other"

The society of Oz plays a significant role in shaping Elphaba's choices. From birth, she is ostracized and discriminated against because of her green skin. This prejudice creates a deep sense of mistrust in Elphaba, making it difficult for her to form meaningful connections and find acceptance 2.
The Wizard's regime further exacerbates this mistrust by promoting fear and division. His propaganda campaign against Animals creates a climate of suspicion and intolerance, mirroring real-world instances of scapegoating and oppression 10. The silencing of Doctor Dillamond, a respected goat professor, exemplifies this oppression 10. Elphaba witnesses his persecution and the apathy of others, contributing to her growing disillusionment and her understanding of systemic injustice.
The oppression of Animals in Oz parallels historical examples of discrimination and persecution, such as the dehumanization of Jews during the Holocaust 10. Wicked uses this allegory to comment on the dangers of prejudice and the importance of fighting for social justice.
In this environment, trust becomes a rare and precious commodity. Elphaba's ability to trust Glinda and Fiyero is a testament to their genuine connection and their willingness to see beyond her "wicked" label. However, the constant betrayal and prejudice she experiences ultimately contribute to her isolation and her embrace of the "wicked" identity imposed upon her.
Authorial Intent and Interpretation

Gregory Maguire, the author of the novel upon which Wicked is based, intended to explore the nature of evil and challenge traditional notions of good and evil 11. He wanted to present a sympathetic portrayal of a character often seen as purely villainous and examine the social and political forces that contribute to her "wickedness."
Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of the musical, saw Elphaba's journey as a story of self-discovery and empowerment 7. He highlighted the importance of trusting one's instincts and defying societal expectations to live authentically.
Both Maguire and Schwartz intended to use Wicked as a platform for social commentary, drawing parallels between the oppression of Animals in Oz and real-world instances of discrimination and injustice 12. They wanted to encourage audiences to question authority, challenge prejudice, and fight for a more just and equitable world.
Conclusion: Trust as a Catalyst for Change and a Weapon Against Injustice
Elphaba's journey in Wicked is a powerful exploration of trust and its impact on individual choices and social change. Her relationships with Glinda, Nessarose, Fiyero, and the Wizard, as well as the broader social context of Oz, shape her decisions and contribute to her transformation. While trust empowers her and strengthens her resolve, betrayal and prejudice reinforce her sense of isolation and fuel her defiance.
The musical suggests that trust is not only essential for personal growth and meaningful relationships but also a catalyst for social change and a weapon against injustice. Elphaba's willingness to trust her instincts and fight for justice, despite the consequences, highlights the importance of challenging authority and standing up for what is right, even in a world filled with deception and mistrust.
Wicked leaves us with a question: how do we navigate a world where trust is so easily broken? How do we choose whom to trust and when to defy those in power? Elphaba's story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we must hold onto our values and fight for a world where trust is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
Works cited
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