The Existence of the Soul and the Afterlife

Wicked

Examines the recurring theme of the soul, from Elphaba's denial of having one to the religious beliefs of other characters.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Elphaba's Atheism Elphaba's Atheism from "Wicked". Elphaba's Atheism Denial of the Soul Elphaba consistently denies having a soul. She sees it as a religious fiction.

Elphaba's Atheism from "Wicked". Elphaba's Atheism Denial of the Soul Elphaba consistently denies having a soul. She sees it as a religious fiction.

Elphaba's Atheism Denial of the Soul Elphaba consistently denies having a soul. She sees it as a religious fiction. Arguments with Nessarose She argues with Nessarose about the soul. Nessarose believes everyone has one. A Defense Mechanism Elphaba's denial may be a defense against the pain of existence. If there is no soul, there is no eternal suffering.

Nessarose's Faith Nessarose's Faith from "Wicked". Nessarose's Faith Religious Conviction Nessarose believes firmly in the soul and the afterlife. Her faith gives her strength.

Nessarose's Faith from "Wicked". Nessarose's Faith Religious Conviction Nessarose believes firmly in the soul and the afterlife. Her faith gives her strength.

Nessarose's Faith Religious Conviction Nessarose believes firmly in the soul and the afterlife. Her faith gives her strength. Using Religion for Power She uses her faith to justify her tyranny. She believes she is doing the Unnamed God's work. Elphaba's Criticism Elphaba criticizes Nessarose's hypocrisy. She sees religion as a tool for oppression.

The Maunts' Beliefs The Maunts' Beliefs from "Wicked". The Maunts' Beliefs A Life of Service The maunts believe in the soul and the afterlife. They dedicate their lives to prayer and service.

The Maunts' Beliefs from "Wicked". The Maunts' Beliefs A Life of Service The maunts believe in the soul and the afterlife. They dedicate their lives to prayer and service.

The Maunts' Beliefs A Life of Service The maunts believe in the soul and the afterlife. They dedicate their lives to prayer and service. Elphaba's Observation Elphaba observes their faith without sharing it. She respects their dedication but not their beliefs. A Glimmer of Doubt Her time with the maunts softens her atheism slightly. She begins to wonder if there might be something more.

The Afterlife in Folklore The Afterlife in Folklore from "Wicked". The Afterlife in Folklore The Other Land Unionists believe in the Other Land, an afterlife. Pagans believe in reincarnation or the Fairy Queen Lurline.

The Afterlife in Folklore from "Wicked". The Afterlife in Folklore The Other Land Unionists believe in the Other Land, an afterlife. Pagans believe in reincarnation or the Fairy Queen Lurline.

The Afterlife in Folklore The Other Land Unionists believe in the Other Land, an afterlife. Pagans believe in reincarnation or the Fairy Queen Lurline. Elphaba's Rejection Elphaba rejects all these ideas. She sees them as wishful thinking. The Question Remains The novel does not confirm or deny the existence of an afterlife. It remains an open question.

Elphaba's Death Elphaba's Death from "Wicked". Elphaba's Death The Melting Elphaba melts away. Her body dissolves, leaving no trace. No Soul? If she had no soul, then her death is the end.

Elphaba's Death from "Wicked". Elphaba's Death The Melting Elphaba melts away. Her body dissolves, leaving no trace. No Soul? If she had no soul, then her death is the end.

Elphaba's Death The Melting Elphaba melts away. Her body dissolves, leaving no trace. No Soul? If she had no soul, then her death is the end. But the narrative suggests she may have had one all along. Ambiguity The novel ends without resolving the question. The reader is left to decide.

throughout her life

during her rule

during Elphaba's time in the cloister

throughout the story

the final scene