The colour green.

[Erik]

We all know Elphie is green because of the Green Elixer. but what if there is an underlying message to her skin colour?

Ever hear of the expression 'green with envy'? Think about it. Elphaba was jealous of her sister her whole life for getting most of the attention from her parents.

Then, she is jealouse of G(a)linda, her popularity, friends, etc. It seems Elphie could always have some kind of envy for something in life.

I feel like I'm ranting. Let me hear your thoughts.

[AOM35]

I think it might have something to do with the fact that she's green. I mean, its a strong possibility. I'd have ti agree. But I've also always thought that maybe Elphaba was a sorta "don't judge a book by its cover" character. Throughout the book and the play people think that she's this evil person when in reality she's been doing her best to help others and only wants to be loved in return.

There's my two cents!!

[Christine's Shadow]

Well, Gregory McGuire did have a choice to make our Loverly Elphaba green from the start- or hey! he could have made her fall into a massive cauldren of green dye! All he really had to do was make sure that she was green by the time Dorothy dropped in.

But here's what I think: I think when people choose a favourite colour, it's because it's a common colour. Like pink! There are alot of people that say they looooooove pink. Green is such an odd colour amungst others and it stands out. Like a friend of mine got braces (This was way back when in girl scouts) and you know how sometimes you can choose the colour of your elastics that go on the braces themselves, she choose green and we all thought she was weird for it. but hey, green is now MY favourite colour!

But Sam, I do think your opinon might be a possibility! I've never really thought of "Green with envy" as a reason to her skin colour. Good observation. :)

[AOM35]

I totally agree with you Christine's shadow. It is something that makes her stand out. She's very significant in that way (doi) and it changes her personality. I mean, think about it. Would she have been a copy of Glinda if she wasn't born green? I always wonder that... what she would be like if she wasn't born green... then there would be no story I guess lol....

[Victoria]

Never thought about that.

I think it that that was definitly some symolisum in the envious fact but I'm leaning more towards the "don't judge a book be it's cover" (or color in this case) like AOM35 said