Though both women are accused of adultery, Hester is punished and defamed by wearing the Scarlet Letter, while Melenda continues a normal life due to her high social standing. Hester is shunned from the community and feels deeply shameful of her crime. Though alienated from the rest of the Puritan society, Hester is able to contemplate moral questions and become an independent, free thinker. While Hester contemplates her wrongdoings and bigger issues in life, Melenda, who is not punished for her sins, remains promiscuous. When Nanny accuses Melenda of sleeping with Turtle Heart, Melenda shamelessly admits that Turtle Heart "covered her with a sense of holiness……she would lose her sense of shame" (47). Perhaps Melenda should receive the punishment she deserves.
Both Elphaba and Pearl are being called the Devil's child despite their truthful natures. Honest and innocent, Pearl often provokes other characters, for example, questioning Dimmesdale’s relationship with Hester. Though removed from others, Elphaba stays truth to herself unlike her superficial peers. Even more, Elphaba and Pearl both have unloving fathers, who are both preacher and minister of high standing in society. Dimmesdale, who is suppose to love his child, Pearl, denies her to protect himself from accusation. Similarly, Frex is disappointed of Elphaba's gender and appearance. When Frex hands Elphaba a maplewood bird, "Frex steeled himself to hear the inevitable splintering, and to hold back his sigh of disappointment" (38), considering Elphaba different and ill behaved.
Works cited
Maguire, Gregory. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 1995.
I didn't realize how much they are in common until I read your post. Also, notice how the two books are both exploring good and evils. I would love to explore more on the connection in themes and what both authors are trying to deliver through the characterization of sinful children. Are the children symbols of good?
ReplyDeleteI would have never connected these two books! The way you have explained it shows a very deep connection. I am especially intrigued by comparing Elphaba and Pearl. They seem very similar especially in their thoughts/actions toward good vs evil. This is a major theme in both books though I do find it stronger in some senses in Wicked. I think something to keep in mind is that it is not clear whether or not Frex is actually Elphaba's father.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see how similar both books are to each other, not only in plot but also in story details as well. Another aspect of the story I found similar were the repercussions to Hester and Melenda's adultery. In the Scarlett letter, it was Hester who had to suffer the consequences of the sin and is made to wear the scarlett letter. However in Wicked, Elphaba seems to be the one who pays for her mother's adultery because of her physical differences. Both characters, Elphaba and Hester, are made into outsiders in their community and viewed differently from rest of society. This was a very good comparison and pairing.
ReplyDeleteI think Elphaba and Pearl are very similar, I think they are both considered outcasts to society. They are very deep and philosophical thinkers, while the people around them are shallow and narrow-minded. Both characters believe in justice, and are morally good people. They show people the truth, and are not afraid to do what is right even if that puts them into a compromising and dangerous situation.
ReplyDeleteInteresting comparisons everyonoe! Elphaba and Pearl both do challenge social conventions with their innocent, truthful behaviors. Both authors try to push the distinction between good and evil, individual and community.
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