The Nature of Evil: Is it Inherent or Learned?

Explores the philosophical question of evil's origin through the characters' actions and debates, particularly Elphaba's journey.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Early Theological Debates

Early Theological Debates Frex's Teachings Frex preaches that evil is a punishment from the Unnamed God. Elphaba questions this. Unionist Sermons Elphaba reads early unionist sermons that debate the location of evil. She finds them inconclusive. Elphaba's Skepticism She begins to doubt that evil is a supernatural force. She sees it as a human construct.

The Clock of the Time Dragon

The Clock of the Time Dragon A Moral Test The Clock of the Time Dragon exposes the evil in people's hearts. It reveals their secrets and incites violence. Frex's Failure Frex tries to fight the Clock with religion, but he fails. The Clock's evil is more powerful. Elphaba's Observation Elphaba sees that the Clock is a tool that amplifies existing evil. It does not create it.

Elphaba's Acts of Violence

Elphaba's Acts of Violence The Assassination Attempt Elphaba tries to kill Madame Morrible. She justifies it as justice. Killing the Cook She may have unconsciously caused the bees to kill the cook. This suggests a dark power within her. Self-Justification Elphaba struggles to reconcile her actions with her belief that she is not evil. She sees herself as a victim of circumstance.

The Dinner Party Debate

The Dinner Party Debate Avaric's Guests Elphaba attends a dinner party where the guests debate the nature of evil. Various theories are proposed. Elphaba's Contribution She argues that evil is secret and cannot be fully understood. She claims to have killed Madame Morrible for fun. The Guests' Reactions They are both horrified and fascinated. The debate highlights the ambiguity of evil.

Elphaba's Final Thoughts

Elphaba's Final Thoughts A Vision of Faces As she dies, Elphaba sees the faces of those she has loved and hurt. She questions her own nature. No Clear Answer She dies without resolving the question of evil. Her life remains a testament to its complexity. The Reader's Reflection The novel leaves the reader to decide: was Elphaba wicked, or was she a product of her environment?

during Elphaba's childhood and Shiz years

during Frex's confrontation

throughout her life

at Avaric's house

during her death scene