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This article contains mentions of addiction and sexual assault.
Andthe book changes one character who has already undergone a shiftfrom the 1995 novel to the musical and film.
Given that the adaptations change her, too, this leads to more confusion surrounding her character.
In the original story, her mother’s misery and struggles with addiction contribute to that.
In Maguire’s novel, she’s portrayed as being an alcoholic and addicted to chewing pinlobble leaves.
Her unhappiness over leaving her comfortable life to be with a preacher is a driving factor of her character.
And although Melena has affairs, Elphaba is conceived through rape in the book.
Elphie: A Wicked Childhoodpresents Melena as something else again, marking a third shift for Elphaba’s mother.
In the adaptations, this is ultimately what leads to Elphaba’s conception.
The affair is written as more consensual, removing one of the darkest parts of the original story.
Melena remains dubious as a mother, though, neglecting her daughter in similar ways.
AndElphie: A Wicked Childhoodpresents Melena as something else again, marking a third shift for her character.
Custom Image By Yailin Chacon
The only consistent detail is that she’s a negligent parent and wife.
