Wicked (Maguire novel)

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

‘Is evil a choice or a destiny?’ This question has haunted Gregory Maguire since his days in London during the early 1990s. His novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, published in 1995, delves deep into this enigma through the life of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

The book is a dark, adult-themed revisionist exploration of the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz characters and setting. It follows Elphaba from her birth to her radicalization and final days, questioning whether evil is inborn or acquired through circumstances. Maguire uses this narrative to explore themes such as nature vs. nurture, terrorism, propaganda, and existential purpose.

Elphaba’s Journey

The story begins with Elphaba, a young girl born into a world of prejudice and discrimination. Her difficult childhood and social ostracism set the stage for her eventual radicalization. Five years later, she reconnects with Prince Fiyero, but their relationship is cut short when he’s arrested by the Wizard’s secret police force.

Elphaba takes refuge in a convent after blaming herself for his capture. Seven years later, she visits Fiyero’s family at their castle, Kiamo Ko, where she brings her son Liir and gains a reputation as a witch. Her father asks for her help with his sister Nessarose, who has become ‘the Wicked Witch of the East.’

Key Characters

Elphaba: The protagonist, Elphaba is a complex character whose journey from outcast to radical is both tragic and inspiring. She joins an underground terrorist group in her quest for justice.

Fiyero Tigelaar: A prince involved in resistance against the Wizard of Oz who has an affair with Elphaba, leading to his arrest by the Gale Force.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The main antagonist, a human from Earth seeking power for himself. His totalitarian regime and use of propaganda are central to the novel’s themes.

Themes

In Wicked, Maguire explores the nature of evil through Elphaba’s story. He questions whether people are born evil or if circumstances push them towards villainy. The book delves into propaganda and terrorism, showing how language can be used to manipulate public opinion.

The novel also touches on existential purpose, as seen in Elphaba’s journey from a student at Shiz University to an activist for Animal rights. Her mentor, Dr. Dillamond, is assassinated by the Wizard’s forces, inspiring her to take action against injustice.

Adaptations

Wicked was adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical in 2003, with Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman at the helm. The musical has been a massive success, running for over two decades on Broadway.

The novel also inspired an unproduced television program and is set to be adapted as a graphic novel by Scott Hampton, scheduled for release in March 2025.

Conclusion

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West challenges us to question our perceptions of good and evil. It reminds us that sometimes, the line between hero and villain is not as clear-cut as we might think. As Maguire once said, ‘Evil is a choice, but so is redemption.’ This novel invites us to explore these choices in our own lives.