Does Wicked Take Place Before The Wizard of Oz?
The question of whether L. Frank Baum’s “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” takes place before or after “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has intrigued fans and scholars for years. While “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a classic tale of adventure and fantasy, “Wicked” offers a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, providing a prequel to the original story. This article delves into the intricacies of this debate and explores the timeline of events in both novels.
In “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” readers are introduced to the magical land of Oz, its inhabitants, and the adventures of Dorothy and her friends. The story revolves around the Emerald City and the mysterious Wizard, who is later revealed to be a humbug. On the other hand, “Wicked” focuses on the lives of two iconic characters: Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. The novel explores their friendship, rivalry, and the events that lead to their famous roles in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
The debate over the timeline of these two novels primarily revolves around the characters’ ages and the events that transpire. In “Wicked,” Elphaba is a young girl who is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West. She is born in the land of Oz and grows up to face numerous challenges, including her unconventional appearance and her struggle against the oppressive Emerald City. In contrast, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” depicts Elphaba as an older woman who has already achieved her infamous status.
Supporters of the “Wicked” prequel theory argue that the novel takes place before “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” because it follows Elphaba’s journey from a young girl to the Wicked Witch. They point out that the timeline in “Wicked” aligns with the events in the original story, as Elphaba’s actions and relationships with other characters in “Wicked” directly influence the events in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Additionally, the novel provides a more comprehensive understanding of the characters’ motivations and backgrounds, enriching the reader’s experience of the original tale.
Opponents of this theory contend that “Wicked” cannot be considered a prequel because it presents a different perspective on the characters and events. They argue that the novel’s focus on Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship and rivalry does not align with the timeline of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” as the original story does not delve into these relationships. Furthermore, they point out that the novel’s ending does not necessarily lead to the events in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” leaving the timeline open to interpretation.
In conclusion, the question of whether “Wicked” takes place before “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” remains a topic of debate among fans and scholars. While some argue that the novel serves as a prequel, others believe that it offers a different perspective on the characters and events. Regardless of the timeline, both “Wicked” and “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” are timeless tales that continue to captivate readers with their enchanting worlds and memorable characters.
