The engaging novel Wicked revolves around the life’s story of a young lady named Elphaba. In the first chapters of the novel, we learn about Elphaba’s childhood and how her parent’s examples of behaviour may have influenced her character. The next section is about her experiences at Shiz University. It is here that she meets some helpful friends; Galinda, Boq and Fiyero. After her first encounter with the horrible wizard of Oz, she decides to stay in the Emerald city to try and stop his evil-doings. She then worked undercover while having an affair with her university friend Fiyero. The next part of her life is the turn point of her mannerisms. She travels to a place called the Vinkus where she is still undercover, but now as a witch. This is where she will stay with Fiyero’s widow for many years. As explained in these chapters, she discovers her ability to accidentally kill using magic if she is angered at someone and she officially becomes the wicked witch of the West. The last section of the story is her encounter with Dorothy, they alien girl from another world and how the death of her sister might be the end of her.
There are many main characters that arise at different points in the novel. Elphaba who is the main character, she is a very smart and kind person at heart, though she was destined to be a witch, so this fades into evil later on. Galinda was Elphaba’s roommate when they attended Shiz. She is a very posh girl that is almost the complete opposite of Elphaba. Boq was a boy that went to Shiz University as well; he is a very sweet boy who just so happened to have a crush on Galinda. Nessarose (Elphaba’s sister) I believe is the final main character; she had a very important role in moving the plot along though she was not talked about as often as other characters. For example, her death was the final push to turn Elphaba into the wicked witch that she ended up to be. She is a very thoughtful and holy girl that is much attached to her sister though she doesn’t always get these feelings back. These are all very realistic characters that behave as we do. I cannot say that I like every main character in the novel, but I like most of them.
I believe that the novel Wicked is trying to tell us is that it doesn’t matter what life throws your way. It matters what you do with those things. Elphaba didn’t have to be evil just because she was cursed to be a witch. She could have used those powers to be good, like Galinda. Instead she uses them to be a vile person that only ends up being her own worst enemy.
I enjoyed the book because it was a good adventure to get gripped into. It created a good mental picture of how things might look in your head. It affected me by making me realize that bad experiences shouldn’t make you do wrong things in return. Elphaba had to learn this lesson over the course of her life. She never quite realized that she had made this mistake, but she did experience the consequences of it at the end of the novel when her friends/family turned on her or left her in some way.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Disscussion #4 - Summarizer
This week’s reading (all of Gilikin) starts us off where Elphaba and Galinda get settled into Shiz University. Galinda is a very posh girl, quite the opposite of Elphaba and so they have a hard time becoming friends at first. It was seen as a tragedy when Galinda’s chaperone had her foot impaled by a rusty nail on their travels to the University because this would mean that she would have to room with Elphaba. Even though Galinda sees Elphaba as social suicide, over the course of the first year they finally connect and learn to deal with each-other.
In current issues, there is one teacher that Elphaba has for a science class named Dr. Dillamond. The problem arising is that the new man in power of Oz (the wizard) feels that Animals should be seen and not heard and Dr. Dillamond happens to be an Animal, not an animal. All of his research has been trying to convince the wizard that Animals are just as much a being as humans.
Another issue socially facing the two girls is that they have a friend named Boq. He happens to be very fond of Galinda but however he is a lowly Munchkinlander and her a Gilikinese. In the Gilikinese culture, it is not proper to see anyone but another Gilikinese. He would also not pass her ‘standards’ of a proper boy- though he is very sweet and kind.
The next crisis for the young men and women at Shiz is that Dr. Dillamond is murdered, though the story is covered up. No-one is sure who the murderer is because the cover story is that he slipped and self inflicted the death. Elphaba, Galinda and Boq all suspect that it had something to do with the fact that he is an Animal.
These chapters also hold the first appearance of Nessarose. ‘Nessie’ is Elphaba’s crippled sister. Though she can walk, she has no arms. She is very sweet and kind and also very religious; just like her father. Her appearance is surprisingly beautiful, so Galinda approved. Nanny is the one that was designated to take care of her as she has no way to take care of herself as others could.
The final push for the girls to do something about the current issue happened shortly after Ama Clutch’s death (Galinda’s chaperone.) They rode away in a carridge into the Emerald City. They ended up seeing the wizard about Dr. Dillamond, though he refused to listen. Elphie decided that she would not stay at Shiz University with the evil Mme Morrible, so she stayed in the Emerald city without Galinda; she went back.
In current issues, there is one teacher that Elphaba has for a science class named Dr. Dillamond. The problem arising is that the new man in power of Oz (the wizard) feels that Animals should be seen and not heard and Dr. Dillamond happens to be an Animal, not an animal. All of his research has been trying to convince the wizard that Animals are just as much a being as humans.
Another issue socially facing the two girls is that they have a friend named Boq. He happens to be very fond of Galinda but however he is a lowly Munchkinlander and her a Gilikinese. In the Gilikinese culture, it is not proper to see anyone but another Gilikinese. He would also not pass her ‘standards’ of a proper boy- though he is very sweet and kind.
The next crisis for the young men and women at Shiz is that Dr. Dillamond is murdered, though the story is covered up. No-one is sure who the murderer is because the cover story is that he slipped and self inflicted the death. Elphaba, Galinda and Boq all suspect that it had something to do with the fact that he is an Animal.
These chapters also hold the first appearance of Nessarose. ‘Nessie’ is Elphaba’s crippled sister. Though she can walk, she has no arms. She is very sweet and kind and also very religious; just like her father. Her appearance is surprisingly beautiful, so Galinda approved. Nanny is the one that was designated to take care of her as she has no way to take care of herself as others could.
The final push for the girls to do something about the current issue happened shortly after Ama Clutch’s death (Galinda’s chaperone.) They rode away in a carridge into the Emerald City. They ended up seeing the wizard about Dr. Dillamond, though he refused to listen. Elphie decided that she would not stay at Shiz University with the evil Mme Morrible, so she stayed in the Emerald city without Galinda; she went back.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Journal #3
Choose an important character
Write the following:
Write a paragraph about the character and include:
--appearance.
--actions
--ideas-- what the character thinks.
--manner-- how the character acts.
--reactions of others to the characters.
Elphaba is an important character in the novel Wicked. She has a lush green complexion and at the moment; she is a toddler. She has razor sharp teeth, but however, she has no disfiguration. She usually likes to bite and destroy anything that she can get her hands on. This is not an unusual behaviourism, though because of her unique abilities; it’s ten times worse than any regular toddler. She is a very curious child who loves to play with everything and find out about as much as she can. She is also a fast learner. Elphaba proves that she understands conversations that would normally be too complicated for other children her age. People do not respond well to her uniqueness. They are quite afraid of her really, and truthfully quite disgusted by her appearance. Even her own parents resent her. The only person to see a different side of Elphie has been the nanny.
Why is she/he important in the novel?
She is important in the novel because she will grow up to be the wicked witch of the west. She is also the main character; so she is an important character in moving the plot along.
Would you like to be the main character? Why or why not?
I would not like to be the main character because she has been treated badly in her lifetime. She also has a magical power that she may not yet understand; she can see into glass about other things- just like a crystal ball. I feel that she has the potential to turn her power into good use, but because of her mistreatment, this may turn into a bad thing.
Would you like the main character for a friend? Give your
reasons.
I think that I would because she would have a down-to-earth perspective on life. She would also understand if I ran into any complications. Her personality is yet to be determined, but I do think that deep down there is a nice person in her.
Write the following:
Write a paragraph about the character and include:
--appearance.
--actions
--ideas-- what the character thinks.
--manner-- how the character acts.
--reactions of others to the characters.
Elphaba is an important character in the novel Wicked. She has a lush green complexion and at the moment; she is a toddler. She has razor sharp teeth, but however, she has no disfiguration. She usually likes to bite and destroy anything that she can get her hands on. This is not an unusual behaviourism, though because of her unique abilities; it’s ten times worse than any regular toddler. She is a very curious child who loves to play with everything and find out about as much as she can. She is also a fast learner. Elphaba proves that she understands conversations that would normally be too complicated for other children her age. People do not respond well to her uniqueness. They are quite afraid of her really, and truthfully quite disgusted by her appearance. Even her own parents resent her. The only person to see a different side of Elphie has been the nanny.
Why is she/he important in the novel?
She is important in the novel because she will grow up to be the wicked witch of the west. She is also the main character; so she is an important character in moving the plot along.
Would you like to be the main character? Why or why not?
I would not like to be the main character because she has been treated badly in her lifetime. She also has a magical power that she may not yet understand; she can see into glass about other things- just like a crystal ball. I feel that she has the potential to turn her power into good use, but because of her mistreatment, this may turn into a bad thing.
Would you like the main character for a friend? Give your
reasons.
I think that I would because she would have a down-to-earth perspective on life. She would also understand if I ran into any complications. Her personality is yet to be determined, but I do think that deep down there is a nice person in her.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Disscussion #3- Disscussion Director
Hello everybody,
This week it is my job to be the discussion director. These questions below are to purposely cause a large open-ended discussion about the novel so far. Here they are!
1. Do you feel sorry for Elphaba because of the behavior of her parents?
2. Do you think that if Melena tried a little harder, she could feel more motherly towards Elphaba and maybe have a better relationship with her?
3. What do you think that it means when she sees things in the glass that Turtle heart blows?
4. Do you think Nanny's suggestion of taking her to play with other children was the best option?
5. Do you or do you not think that these chapters are somewhat predictable?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Journal #2
1.
Wicked is told in third person by a narrator. The narrator can be biased at different times to tell the story from a different point of view. At the moment, the story is being told from Melena’s point of view.
2.
The point of view is effective because it allows you to see the story from your own point of view because you see everyone’s thoughts. I also think that this is effective because it shows you ‘a bird’s eye view’ of the character’s emotions.
3.
The bringing of the ‘Time Dragon’ into Munchkinland was one of the most exciting events in our town’s history- even with being next door to the Emerald City. I think that it is a great idea; it will bring entertainment and good fortune. The puppets/figures shown at the base of it are very comical – and very life-like! I also believe that it possesses magical powers- the clock is forever stuck on one minute before judgement. The dragon itself is very real- its skin is made of painted green leather with silvery claws and ruby jewelled eyes. It also belches out a flaming orange substance that resembles fire.
Even though the clock is all of these great things; I see some dark in it too. This magic that it possesses cannot be trusted in the hands of these simple farmers of Munchkinland. Something tells me that it will go out of control. I am not the only one who feels this way. In fact, brother Frexspar feels very outraged that they are establishing it. He has tried to rebel and got injured in the process. I would have waited to speak in a calmer manor. This is what he deserved for getting physical to solve the issue. My sources say that he has been allowed to stay in the celar of a sympathetic old widow. They shouldn’t be able to find him there, and personally I hope they don’t! They will beat him horribly if anyone objects to the town’s new beacon and symbol.
I believe that the Time Dragon will be good for the town. However, I think that we will have to be careful with this new privilege. I also feel sorry for any poor soul who tries to object. For now I will try not to worry; just try to enjoy the show of our newest symbol of Munchkinland.
Wicked is told in third person by a narrator. The narrator can be biased at different times to tell the story from a different point of view. At the moment, the story is being told from Melena’s point of view.
2.
The point of view is effective because it allows you to see the story from your own point of view because you see everyone’s thoughts. I also think that this is effective because it shows you ‘a bird’s eye view’ of the character’s emotions.
3.
The Bringing of the Time Dragon into the Town
From Perippa’s Point of View
From Perippa’s Point of View
The bringing of the ‘Time Dragon’ into Munchkinland was one of the most exciting events in our town’s history- even with being next door to the Emerald City. I think that it is a great idea; it will bring entertainment and good fortune. The puppets/figures shown at the base of it are very comical – and very life-like! I also believe that it possesses magical powers- the clock is forever stuck on one minute before judgement. The dragon itself is very real- its skin is made of painted green leather with silvery claws and ruby jewelled eyes. It also belches out a flaming orange substance that resembles fire.
Even though the clock is all of these great things; I see some dark in it too. This magic that it possesses cannot be trusted in the hands of these simple farmers of Munchkinland. Something tells me that it will go out of control. I am not the only one who feels this way. In fact, brother Frexspar feels very outraged that they are establishing it. He has tried to rebel and got injured in the process. I would have waited to speak in a calmer manor. This is what he deserved for getting physical to solve the issue. My sources say that he has been allowed to stay in the celar of a sympathetic old widow. They shouldn’t be able to find him there, and personally I hope they don’t! They will beat him horribly if anyone objects to the town’s new beacon and symbol.
I believe that the Time Dragon will be good for the town. However, I think that we will have to be careful with this new privilege. I also feel sorry for any poor soul who tries to object. For now I will try not to worry; just try to enjoy the show of our newest symbol of Munchkinland.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Discussion #2- Message Minder
Hello everyone,
In chapters 3-5, we start to see the real Melena for what she is. She is a woman who cheats on her husband often and doesn't even give her new daughter a chance becuase of her appearence. "We'll keep the jaw all strapped up until we can solve the skin problem." As the novel goes on, we learn that Elphaba can actually be sweet when people give her attention and so this teaches us not to judge a book by its cover. From Frex's experience of fighting the bringing in of the Time dragon into the city, we can learn that you should not physically show your resentment towards something- you should just speak up when appropriate. I think that Elphaba being green and the way she is in the story might be a lesson for Melena's poor behavior in the past.
In chapters 3-5, we start to see the real Melena for what she is. She is a woman who cheats on her husband often and doesn't even give her new daughter a chance becuase of her appearence. "We'll keep the jaw all strapped up until we can solve the skin problem." As the novel goes on, we learn that Elphaba can actually be sweet when people give her attention and so this teaches us not to judge a book by its cover. From Frex's experience of fighting the bringing in of the Time dragon into the city, we can learn that you should not physically show your resentment towards something- you should just speak up when appropriate. I think that Elphaba being green and the way she is in the story might be a lesson for Melena's poor behavior in the past.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Jounal #1
1.
The setting so far in the novel is Munchkinland, a town just outside of the Emerald City. Specifically in a little cottage in the countryside. " The sky was brown with flying sand and grit. The wind rushed high over the hills with the sound of a tremulous wail, as if pushing through some fissure of rock, on a ridge beyond any Frex could see." The town's newest addition is a 'Time Dragon', a clock with a fake moulded dragon surrounding it with many characters for entertainment moving at it's base.
2.
We have been introduced to a husband and wife- Frex and Melena, who's last name has not been given. Melena is pregnant with a child that she hopes to be sucessful and please her and her husband. Frex or otherwise known as brother frexspar is a priest, that works to go on journeys to convince people of righousness ect. For example, he sets out to stop the bringing of the time dragon as it is seen as an un-just thing to do. There are no conflicts between these two characters.
3.
"He had sacrificed for them. They couldn't be swayed by this Time Dragon Creature. They owed him." This is the perfect sentence to describe Frex. He loves Munchkinland and everyone in it. He constantly sacrifices for the community and gives whenever possible.
The setting so far in the novel is Munchkinland, a town just outside of the Emerald City. Specifically in a little cottage in the countryside. " The sky was brown with flying sand and grit. The wind rushed high over the hills with the sound of a tremulous wail, as if pushing through some fissure of rock, on a ridge beyond any Frex could see." The town's newest addition is a 'Time Dragon', a clock with a fake moulded dragon surrounding it with many characters for entertainment moving at it's base.
2.
We have been introduced to a husband and wife- Frex and Melena, who's last name has not been given. Melena is pregnant with a child that she hopes to be sucessful and please her and her husband. Frex or otherwise known as brother frexspar is a priest, that works to go on journeys to convince people of righousness ect. For example, he sets out to stop the bringing of the time dragon as it is seen as an un-just thing to do. There are no conflicts between these two characters.
3.
"He had sacrificed for them. They couldn't be swayed by this Time Dragon Creature. They owed him." This is the perfect sentence to describe Frex. He loves Munchkinland and everyone in it. He constantly sacrifices for the community and gives whenever possible.
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