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

A major theme in Wicked is defiance versus complacency. In this world, acts of rebellion and defiance come at the risk of one’s safety and well-being. Consequently, most characters choose to ignore the issues in their society. Boq is passionate about Animal Rights, but he refuses to openly speak against the Wizard for fear of retaliation. Fiyero is open to Elphaba’s politics, but he doesn’t realize the extent to which he ignored the systematic destruction of Animals and other Ozians until he reconsiders the world with an active desire to better understand Elphaba. Glinda is interested in intellectual and moral stimulation, but she fears being left out of the tribe that keeps her safe, loved, and honored. Frex is a devoted minister, but his religious zeal destroys his rational analysis of how society truly is, which leads to the destruction of his reputation. Samira mourns the violent and inexplicable loss of her husband Fiyero, but she refuses to listen to Elphaba’s true recounting of his murder, preferring the comfort of ignorance.

Only Elphaba and the Wizard confront their convictions and the world as they truly are. There are certainly benefits to living a willfully ignorant life, but the characters who choose ignorance over conviction end up dead, sad, scared, or inauthentic.