Dive into the complex world of the musical 'Wicked' as it explores the duality of good and evil through Glinda and Elphaba. The analysis highlights Glinda's moral ambiguity, challenging the idea of performative kindness versus genuine activism. Themes of privilege, societal judgment, and the representation of marginalized groups are examined, offering a fresh lens on contemporary issues. The discussion critiques characters and their choices, prompting reflection on the nature of power and complicity in our own lives.
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insights INSIGHT
Dehumanization in Wicked
Wicked associates goodness with beauty and wickedness with ugliness.
This is similar to how marginalized groups are dehumanized by exaggerating their features.
insights INSIGHT
Glinda's Political Stance
Glinda’s politics are complex, blending conservatism, evangelical Christianity, and white feminism.
She prioritizes her image and comfort over genuine change.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Megyn Kelly's Shift
Megyn Kelly, initially critical of Trump, faced misogynistic attacks.
Later, she aligned with him, prioritizing career over integrity.
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The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Gregory Maguire
In 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire delves into the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story begins with Elphaba's childhood, marked by her unique appearance and her father's missionary work in Quadling country. As she grows older, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, who will later become Glinda. The novel follows Elphaba's journey through her involvement in resistance against the Wizard, her personal struggles, and her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch. Maguire's narrative explores themes of social class, political oppression, and the nature of evil, creating a rich and vivid world that challenges the traditional view of Oz[1][3][4].
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
L. Frank Baum
The story centers on Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is swept away by a cyclone to the magical Land of Oz. There, she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, each seeking something from the elusive Wizard of Oz. Along their journey, they face numerous trials and eventually discover that the Wizard is a humbug. Dorothy learns to use the magical power of her silver shoes to return home to Kansas.
A Bit Fruity was due for a good old-fashioned film analysis. Wicked is a kids movie that is actually for adults, holding up a mirror to our increasingly fascistic reality and asking us to question our struggle against it — or place within it. Glinda the Good Witch, thoughtfully delivered by Ariana Grande, is both easy to love and easy to hate. But while some characters’ politics are obvious (a fascist Wizard, a radical Elphaba), Glinda’s are harder to pinpoint. Today, we attempt just that.
A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein 
