Wicked ~ Final Discussion

[Scott]

This is the discussion thread for Wicked by Gregory Maguire. D not read this thread until you have read the book because this thread will contain spoilers.

What do you think of the book? I like it. I like the idea of putting the well-known story of Dorothy and Oz into a new context, but I felt it was weakened by factual inconsistencies. For example, in this book the Witch and Dorothy did not meet until after Dorothy had seen the Wizard, but in the movie they had a few confrontations before that. I also had hoped the Witch would go even crazier at the end. Still, overall, I like the book.

In the first discussion, sleepydumpling pointed out to me that Frex had flirted with Turtle Heart. I'm glad she did because I later read about Frex talking about how he "loved" Turtle Heart. Do you think they had a sexual relationship? It seems to me that it is implied.

Speaking of odd sexual parts, what did you think of the Philosophy Club? I am correct that Tibbet was forced to have sex with a tiger, right? What do you think the point of the Philosophy Club was? I'm not sure.

I found it interesting that Elphaba is portrayed as somewhat of a failure.

The most major theme of the novel appeared to be the source and nature of evil. I feel that it was purposely ambiguous as to the source of evil. What do you think? The story also explores destiny, which makes one wonder how there can be evil if there is destiny. Can a person be evil if they are destined to perform the evil acts?

I'm not sure what the purpose was behind the Time Clock, Madame Morrible, the Yackle and the other supernatural forces. What do you think?

What parts of the novel did you found especially memorable?

[gelreynolds@yahoo.co.uk]

Sorry for the late reply...think there was something wrong with my internet connection because I could not get onto this site at all! I loved 'Wicked'...I really loved the idea of the one dimensional character of the Wicked Witch of the West having this full rounded personality and complex characteristics.

I think the bit that really made her come to life was her love affair...and the horrible tragic ending to that affair!!!

I am a little perplexed about how they have managed to turn this into a musical...but quite intrigued, would love to watch it!!!!

[CassieXO]

I am a little perplexed about how they have managed to turn this into a musical...but quite intrigued, would love to watch it!!!!

SPOILER TO THE MUSICAL BELOW! DON'T READ UNLESS YOU WANT TO !!




but in case you want to know they made the ending to the musical a "happily ever after disney movie' kind of ending.

[gelreynolds@yahoo.co.uk]

Ahhhhh.....see, now, I'm even more intrigued!!!!!!

Will have to go and watch it!!!

[ravinglunatic]

Even though I wasn't apart of the group when you all read Wicked, I have read it. I have also read Son of a Witch, which is its companion piece. I believe the author is making a triliogy out of this. Some of your questions will be answered in the second book, not all though. I think that is where the second comes in. I recommend that those who truly enjoyed Wicked read Son of a Witch. It is quite interesting.

[juanmacho33]

I read this last year...I thought it was a whole lot of fun. I didn't realize Son of a Witch was out, too. Now I'll never finish The Brothers Karamazov.

[plum]

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens

[daniels_co]

that is bad

[daniels_co]

is it?

[daniels_co]

i dont like it so much

[VampirePoe]

It was an ok read, nothing grand.