Moving into the first section, there are few things of note. First, there is the name of the first section: Munchkinlanders. This area is not referred to as Munchkin Country as it is in the original book. It is called Munchkinland as it is in the MGM movie; and, as the series progresses, it eventually is called the "Free State of Munchkinland". Then, from the map, we learn so much about the geography of the Munchkin Country right off the bat such as the name of the town where Dorothy actually landed (Center Munch) as well as the place where Elphaba was born (Rush Margins). Additionally, there are many towns that exist in this region as opposed to the other areas of Oz. As the first section begins, the first chapter is called, “The Root of Evil”, which is highly appropriate for a book about the Wicked Witch; however, it really makes you wonder what that root cause is. Who or what is the root of evil? So, we are introduced to two characters: Frex and Melena Thropp. They live in Rush Margins (the town) within the county of Wend Hardings. In my opinion, they are both just so selfish, which shows the type of parents Elphaba had. Currently, Melena is pregnant with Elphaba and is about to give birth any day now. Notably, Frex says it should be born on his schedule and not anyone else's, including hers. Frex struggles with his companionship to Melena so much so that he accuses her of being unfaithful and that the child is not his. Might he be right? We'll have to see. Another notable character that we are introduced to in the story is Nanny. In this chapter, we do not know much except that she was Melena’s nanny and she used to sing nursery rhymes to her. One of which is seen at the end of this post. In the musical, Nanny appears as an antelope midwife; but is not an antelope in the books. Nanny, eventually revealed to be named Cattury Spunge, is a character that continually pops up in the story. Since Melena passes away during Elphaba's lifetime, Nanny is a more prevalent character in her story. I discuss the poetry of this and other poems in the Wicked stories in my Poetry in Oz post from a couple years back. The rest of the chapter showcases the dynamic between Frex and Melena, which is incredibly uncomfortable since they are just cruel to each other. What is your take on their dynamic? Do you expect this in the Land of Oz? Anyways, until next time when we jump into the next chapter that introduces that mechanical marvel, The Clock of the Time Dragon.
0 Comments
|