Wicked Novel Analysis

Amanpreet Lal

Jig Rim Hong

English 1C- Section 49

05 March 2018

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West “Fairy tales were not my escape from reality as a child; rather, they were my reality -- for mine was a world in which good and evil were not abstract concepts, and like fairy-tale heroines, no magic would save me unless I had the wit and heart and courage to use it widely.” These words of Terri Windling, an American editor, offer an insight to the idea of fairytales in society. A fairy tale can be both a unique source of knowledge for children and an effective educational material. In his novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Gregory Maguire portrays the traditional fairy tale, with certain

Although she is afraid, she is very eager to go through a new experience. Not only does she face her fear, but she also agrees to sacrifice her voice in exchange for the ability to become a human being. Not only does this story only allow children to gather the courage to face their fears, but also allows them to develop an understanding about what a sacrifice is. They are able to slightly grasp the idea of a sacrifice and the idea of a new experience. “Whether it's exploring a new place, a new relationship, or even exploring different facts of yourself, the fear and risks never outweigh the benefits of taking on a new journey.” These words of Tracy Dye support the assertion that these works further teach children about different social constructs. They play an important part in educating children with an extraordinary

Through story-telling, adults are able to pass down morals and traditions that were taught to them. In his book, “The Irresistible Fairy Tale,” Jack Zipes notes that fairytales are the means of communication to create an environment that is stable and adaptable to humans. He explains why they are created and why they become a part of cultures worldwide. “Fairy tales are informed by a human disposition to action—to transform the world and make it more adaptable to human needs, while we also try to change and make ourselves fit for the world. Therefore, the focus of fairy tales, whether oral, written, or cinematic, has always been on finding magical instruments, extraordinary technologies, or powerful people and animals that will enable protagonists to transform themselves along with their environment, making it more suitable for living in peace and contentment.” This relates back to the idea that fairytales are given more value when they are able to teach lessons and are able to establish a well-balanced environment. Concepts like good and evil depicted in novels such as Wicked provide meanings to these tales which ultimately give children a source to gain more