Unionism vs. Pleasure Faith: Religious Conflict in Oz

Explores the tension between the traditional unionist religion and the hedonistic pleasure faith, and how this conflict shapes Oz's culture and politics.

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Frex's Unionist Ministry

Frex's Unionist Ministry A Devoted Preacher Frex is a unionist minister who preaches against the pleasure faith. He sees it as a threat to morality. The Clock of the Time Dragon The Clock of the Time Dragon, a pleasure faith entertainment, arrives in Rush Margins. Frex tries to rally his flock against it. Humiliation Frex is humiliated and beaten by his own congregation, who are drawn to the Clock's spectacle.

The Pleasure Faith's Appeal

The Pleasure Faith's Appeal Entertainment and Magic The pleasure faith offers spectacle, magic, and sensual pleasures. It attracts the masses who are tired of unionist austerity. Political Use The Wizard uses the pleasure faith to distract citizens from his oppressive policies. It becomes a tool of control. Elphaba's Rejection Elphaba rejects both unionism and the pleasure faith. She sees them as different forms of manipulation.

Nessarose's Unionist Tyranny

Nessarose's Unionist Tyranny Religious Laws Nessarose imposes strict unionist laws in Munchkinland, persecuting pleasure faith adherents and others. Hypocrisy Despite her piety, she uses magic (the silver shoes) to maintain power. Her rule is a contradiction. Elphaba's Criticism Elphaba criticizes her sister's hypocrisy. She sees religion as a tool for oppression.

The Mauntery's Role

The Mauntery's Role A Life of Silence Elphaba spends seven years in a mauntery, living under a vow of silence. The maunts practice a quiet, charitable form of unionism. Healing and Service She works in the infirmary, caring for the sick and dying. This experience tempers her anger. Leaving the Cloister She eventually leaves, but the mauntery's influence remains. She adopts some of its practices, like using a broom.

The Unnamed God

The Unnamed God A Central Mystery The Unnamed God is the focus of unionist worship. Its anonymity is a key tenet. Elphaba's Atheism Elphaba does not believe in the Unnamed God. She sees religion as a human invention. The Question of the Soul The existence of the soul is a recurring theme. Elphaba denies having one, but her actions suggest otherwise.

early in the story

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during her rule

during Elphaba's years in the cloister

throughout the story