Allusions

The Gulf War

Gulf War:The United States management of the country after the war in Iraq has similar comparison with Emerald City’s empire. The locations of the government offices were called the Green Zone which is a significant characteristic because they both share the colour green. The actions taken place in Quadling Country by the Wizard to claim the rubies is closely tied to the leadership of the American reconstruction project in Iraq to attain power. Gregory Maguire previously mentioned his inspiration to write Wicked after contemplating the definition of good and evil after reading a newspaper article on the Gulf War.

Martin Luther posting the 95 theses
on the catholic church of Wittenberg

Protestant Reformation: My West and the World class thoroughly discussed the Protestant Reformation so I was able to make several comparisons with the novel Wicked. The Reformation of Europe began with the theologest Martin Luther who disagreed with the Indulgences given by the Catholic Church and later wrote the 95 theses. This resulted in a wide-scale debate in Europe and the appearance of many different faiths (Protestantism, Calvinism, etc). As a counter offence, The Catholic Church began several methods to persecute the ones who were deemed heretics. In Munchkin Country, the ones who believed in another religion (besides the common one) were also persecuted for their pagan beliefs. It is wise to keep in mind how religion and sorcery were similarly treated in Oz and in our own world. This aspect shows that the novel Wicked was not just a retold fantasy but a reflection upon our society.

Flag of Ireland

“No Irish Need Apply’: This quote relates to the Wizard and his ancestry in the other world. In the Nineteenth century, the Irish were looked down on by the people of England and America. They were considered “inferior” and faced persecution for their religion which was mainly concentrated on Catholics. This can also link back to the Protestant Reformation because the Catholics were the ones who were the persecutors and since the Wizard is Irish that would imply he is of the religion against pagan beliefs. The theme of alternate universe plays a role in this because in the “other world” (our world) the Irish were persecuted but in Oz, it is the opposite because The Wizard if the ruler.

L. Frank Baum

Elphaba’s Name: The name Elphaba was formulated from the original author of the Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum. The phonetic pronunciations of his initials (L.F.B) were used to make her name (El-pha-ba). I guess Gregory Maguire wanted the original write of the Wizard of Oz to be part of Oz in a significant way.

Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt: During the novel, Boq points out that Dorothy’s name backwards is Theodore which was a shout out to Theodore Roosevelt (American President in 1901). This reference is mentioned again when Madame Morrible quotes Theodore Roosevelt’s quote “walk softly and carry a big stick” (Maguire 105).