Scarecrow in "Wicked": His Identity Unveiled & Elphaba's Transforming Impact
Ever wondered about the Scarecrow's true identity in the hit musical, Wicked, and its 2024 film adaptation, Wicked Part 1? Let's spill the beans and dig deeper into Fiyero's transformation, his romantic link with Elphaba, and more! Be warned: here there be spoilers!
Who is the Scarecrow in Wicked?
The Scarecrow, in the captivating world of Wicked and its movie adaptations, is none other than Prince Fiyero from Winkie Country. Fiyero happens to share the stage with our very own anti-hero, Elphaba Thropp, who eventually transforms into the Wicked Witch of the West.
Fiyero and Elphaba once studied together at the prestigious Shiz University. Their bond deepens throughout the musical, making his transformation to a straw-stuffed form even more heart-wrenching.
Delving into Fiyero's Identity Crisis
Elphaba's Enchanting Transformation
What makes Fiyero the Scarecrow? Elphaba's desperate act to save his life. In Act 2 of Wicked the Musical, Fiyero becomes the Wizard's captive after offering his assistance to Elphaba. Soldiers haul him off to a nearby cornfield to torture him, hoping to wrestle info about Elphaba's whereabouts from his lips.
To save her beloved Fiyero, Elphaba attempts to throw a spell using a mystical book called the Grimmerie. However, acting in haste, she stops the spell midway, believing it's doomed to fail. But little does she know, the spell works its magic on Fiyero—summoning a strange power that makes him immune to pain, but at the cost of his human form—transforming him into the Scarecrow!
The Love Story of Elphaba and the Scarecrow
Fiyero and Elphaba share a love that knows no boundaries. But their romance isn't a symbol of sweetness quite as you'd imagine in other love stories. Their bond blossoms under fierce opposition and oppressive societal norms.
Even before Fiyero is transformed, their attempts to navigate their complex relationship create a backdrop of tension and passion. Fiyero is initially betrothed to Glinda, but ultimately, he chooses Elphaba and helps her escape the clutches of the Wizard's soldiers.
The Endgame
In the climactic scene of Act 2, Dorothy Gale douses Elphaba with water, allegedly causing her to melt. But Elphaba doesn't fall apart as everyone expects. Instead, she miraculously vanishes. Learning about her supposed demise, the Scarecrow arrives at the castle and helps her disappeared friend escape into freedom. The two lovebirds dash off, starting a brand-new life together—a far cry from Fiyero's initial fate as a prince.
Surprises Galore: Comparing Wicked and the Original Wizard of Oz
Fizzy's Forgotten Beginnings
In contrast to the character's origins in the 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Fiyero remains a human being. He has no romantic entanglement with the Wicked Witch of the West as neither character is introduced in Baum's novel.
In the 1939 film adaptation, Fiyero's character is instead embodied by farmhands who aid Dorothy on her journey. The connection is tenuous at best, reflecting a stark contrast with Wicked and its treatment of the character.
Boq: The Tin-y Tinman, and the Calamitous Crown
The origins of the Tin Man go through an overhaul, too. Wicked introduces his alter-ego as Boq, a Munchkin who shares a deep connection with Elphaba and Nessarose. While attending Shiz University, Boq becomes infatuated with both Elphaba and her sister, Nessarose. Tragedy strikes when he's caught between their love and brotherhood, leading to a chain of events that eventually turns him into the Tin Man.
Summing Up: Fiyero's Journey as the Scarecrow
In Wicked the Musical and the 2024 movie adaptation, Fiyero's transformation from prince to Scarecrow epitomizes Elphaba's struggle between love and duty. The love story between Fiyero and Elphaba beautifully intertwines their fates, adding an emotional depth to the Scarecrow's character. This deviates significantly from the traditional Wizard of Oz narrative where the Scarecrow is a disconnected figure in the story. The romantic subplot enhances their relationship, offering fans a captivating and dramatic retelling of these iconic characters.
Despite his prince status in Winkie Country, Fiyero becomes the Scarrcow in the captivating world of Wicked, after Elphaba performs a desperate spell to save his life. Their love story, filled with intensity and opposition, adds a dramatic and emotional depth to Fiyero's character, departing from the traditional Wizard of Oz narrative, where the Scarecrow is often a disconnected figure.
