The Deeper Meaning Behind Elphaba’s Name in ‘Wicked’

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As a lifelong fan of L. Frank Baum’s magical world, I found myself utterly captivated by Gregory Maguire’s literary masterpiece, “Wicked.” Growing up with the classic tale of Oz, I always wondered about the Wicked Witch of the West – who was she beneath her green skin and wicked reputation? Maguire’s novel brilliantly answered that question for me, and it has become one of my all-time favorites.

Without a doubt, the blockbuster film “Wicked” is captivating audiences everywhere, with tickets for showings selling like hotcakes. The powerhouse duo of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda are delivering performances that people will be talking about for years to come. Even casual moviegoers and devoted theater enthusiasts alike can’t stop raving about this cinematic triumph. However, it seems many viewers may not be well-versed in the story’s origins outside of the famous Broadway musical titled “Wicked” and L. Frank Baum’s timeless tale, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” which served as its inspiration.

The Broadway musical “Wicked” made its debut in 2003, having been based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” Maguire aimed to create an intriguing narrative that delves into the complexities of evil, which is why he chose to reimagine one of cinema’s most notorious villains as a starting point. To avoid creating a gritty retelling of the beloved land of Oz, Maguire endeavored to preserve its iconic characters and their names as much as feasible.

To start with, the story of “Wicked” initially introduces its good witch as Galinda, but later in the narrative, she is renamed Glinda, a decision that acknowledges Dr. Dillamond and Baum’s original character. On the other hand, when it came to naming Elphaba, Maguire had to create a completely new moniker. In order to honor both characters, he once more turned to Baum for inspiration.

What Does It Mean to Call Someone Wicked?

In a conversation with WGBH radio, author Gregory Maguire shared that as a child, he was deeply captivated by the enduring tale of “The Wizard of Oz” (the 1939 MGM classic) and its memorable characters. On numerous occasions, he would persuade his seven siblings to reenact scenes from the film in homemade productions. As time went on, Maguire began experimenting with gender-bending roles and blending Disney characters into the mix to give these performances a unique twist.

Over time, he became increasingly captivated by its ominous elements, yet he preserved his innate knack for storytelling that was reminiscent of a child. Although the Wicked Witch of the West continued to haunt his dreams as an adult and the flying monkeys were initially frightening when he was young, neither adversary could compare to the wizard’s bone-chilling deception. He admitted that upon repeated viewings, he “came to understand that the wizard, who deceived Dorothy by sending her into peril with no intention of fulfilling his debt to her, was just as terrifying, if not even more so.” However, in contrast to this, he expressed that the Wicked Witch was honest about her malevolent intentions. To him, true wickedness lay in ambiguity.

Maguire’s fascination with exploring the intricacies of evil and its ambiguous roots initially sparked, becoming even more pertinent as his mature perspective collided with his childhood fantasies. During an interview with TuftsAlumni, Maguire discussed the genuine evil prevalent in our society, recalling a chilling headline that surfaced following the outbreak of the first Gulf War in the 1990s: “Saddam Hussein – the next Hitler?” As a pacifist amidst a world steeped in violence, he pondered how he would respond or attempt to alter things when confronting a figure like Hitler. Moreover, while residing in London around the same period, he was deeply troubled by a news story about some youngsters brutally murdering a toddler. He found himself unable to shake off thoughts about what could have instigated such unspeakable wickedness in anyone.

What makes them so morally wrong, harmful, or antagonistic that they become the focus of a famous novel? To explore this intriguing concept, Maguire crafted his most renowned work.

Gregory Maguire Uses Elphaba to Honor ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Creator

As a devoted cinema-goer, I firmly believe that the most captivating villains are those with intricate backstories that lend authenticity to their malevolent actions, making them more relatable and, in turn, endearing to fans. It’s the ability to understand their motivations, even when they commit heinous acts, that keeps us invested in their stories. Take Elphaba, for instance, whose unyielding determination to combat injustice and challenge authority, albeit through morally questionable means, has earned her a beloved place in our hearts. It’s no wonder she’s become a household name. Now, I’m curious – with Baum merely hinting at her inspiration being the Wicked Witch of the West, how did Maguire arrive at this iconic protagonist’s unique moniker?

In his chat with WGBH, Maguire shared another interesting point: his writing skills stemmed from a childlike ability to create using whatever resources are available, a method he described as “taking what you have and turning it into something new or taking it apart, rearranging it, and making something fresh again.” He employed this same straightforward creative approach when devising the character Elphaba. Specifically, he fashioned her name by manipulating the initials of the author Lyman Frank Baum, first experimenting with Lafaba, then Lafeyba, before finally settling on Elphaba, which immediately felt right to him.

The essence boiled down to Maguire’s exceptional skills: crafting concepts and creating something fresh. Elphaba’s emergence was an amalgamation of Maguire’s creativity (and instinct), as well as his tribute to Baum – the author who bestowed upon him, and countless others, a beloved tale to mold. Here’s hoping its newest film version will inspire a fresh wave of witches-at-heart to continue crafting for many years to come.

Wicked is now playing in theaters.

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2024-12-07 22:04