The Themes of Wicked by Gregory Maguire and Their Reflection in Contemporary America
Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is more than just a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz—it is a profound exploration of power, morality, identity, and propaganda. The novel forces readers to question the nature of good and evil, the impact of systemic oppression, and how those in power shape narratives to serve their own agendas. These themes are deeply relevant to current affairs in the United States, particularly in discussions of political polarization, social justice, and media influence.
Power and Corruption in Government
One of the central themes of Wicked is the corruption of power and the manipulation of truth by those in control. In the novel, the Wizard of Oz is not a kind and wise ruler but a manipulative dictator who consolidates his power by suppressing certain groups, particularly talking Animals(capital A, signifying their personhood). He uses propaganda to cast himself as a benevolent leader while marginalizing those who challenge him, including Elphaba.
This mirrors contemporary American politics, where government leaders and institutions often shape public perception through misinformation, partisan messaging, and systemic oppression.
The use of laws and executive powers to control marginalized communities—whether through voter suppression, immigration policies, or restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights—echoes the Wizard’s tactics. Just as Elphaba becomes labeled as “wicked” for resisting the Wizard’s rule, activists in the U.S. who challenge authority are often demonized, whether they are climate activists, civil rights leaders, or whistleblowers exposing corruption.
Media and the Creation of Villains
Another striking parallel between Wicked and contemporary America is the role of media in shaping narratives. Throughout the novel, Elphaba is cast as a villain not because of her actions, but because of how others choose to portray her. She is misunderstood, demonized, and ultimately hunted—not for being evil, but for opposing those in power.
In modern America, the media often plays a similar role in controlling public perception. Depending on the outlet, the same individual can be portrayed as either a hero or a villain.
Activists, politicians, and entire social movements are often framed in ways that support certain agendas. For example, Black Lives Matter protests have been described by different media sources as either a fight for justice or as riots threatening social order. Similarly, whistleblowers like Edward Snowden or Chelsea Manning have been viewed by some as traitors and by others as heroes exposing government overreach.
This distortion of truth in Wicked reflects the power of the media to dictate who is considered “good” or “evil”, often based on who benefits from the narrative.
Social Inequality and Systemic Oppression
Maguire’s Oz is a land of stark inequalities, where certain groups—particularly talking Animals—are stripped of their rights and systematically oppressed. Elphaba fights against these injustices, but her resistance is met with hostility rather than support.
This is painfully relevant to ongoing social justice struggles in the U.S. Issues like racial discrimination, police brutality, and economic inequality reflect the deep divides in Maguire’s world. Movements such as Black Lives Matter, Indigenous rights activism, and immigration advocacy mirror Elphaba’s fight for justice, as they challenge entrenched systems of power that benefit the privileged while harming marginalized communities.
In both Wicked and present-day America, those who resist oppression are often labeled as dangerous or radical, not because of their actions but because they disrupt the status quo.
Fate vs. Free Will: The American Dream and Structural Barriers
Another major theme in Wicked is the question of fate versus free will—whether individuals control their own destiny or whether they are shaped by forces beyond their control. Elphaba is born different, and no matter how hard she tries to fight for justice, she is ultimately doomed by a system that refuses to see her as anything other than wicked
This mirrors the myth of the American Dream, which suggests that anyone can succeed if they work hard enough. However, structural inequalities—such as racial discrimination, wealth disparities, and education gaps—often determine the opportunities available to individuals. For many Americans, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, success is not simply a matter of effort but of systemic barriers that limit upward mobility.
Elphaba’s story is a tragic reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard one fights, the system is designed to suppress those who challenge it.
Conclusion: Wicked as a Political Allegory
While Wicked is set in a fantasy world, its themes are deeply relevant to the realities of modern America. The novel challenges readers to question authority, recognize the power of media narratives, and understand how systemic oppression functions. The way Elphaba is villainized for standing up against injustice mirrors the way dissenters and activists are treated in today’s political climate.
Ultimately, Wicked is not just the story of a misunderstood witch—it is a cautionary tale about power, justice, and the cost of resisting a corrupt system. In a time of deep political and social division, Maguire’s novel serves as a powerful reminder to question who is telling the story—
and whose voices are being silenced
