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Thursday, November 15, 2007

Nessarose

Wikipedia:
Nessarose is Elphaba's sister. She eventually inherits the position of Eminent Thropp, leader of the state of Munchkinland. Through this position, she coerces Munchkinland into seceding from Oz. As a political leader of Munchkinland, she has both supporters and detractors. Her unhappy subjects nickname her "the Wicked Witch of the East." Nessarose is also the apple of her father Frexspar's (Frex) eye, and his most favored child out of three. She was born without arms, possibly as a result of her mother's attempts to prevent another green child, and the multi-hued glass shoes are charmed by Glinda to help her to become more independent.

Me:
She is horribly neglected in this story, both versions in my opinion. Nessa plays such a LARGE role in pushing Elphaba over the edge into near-insanity, both intentionally and unintentionally. Elphaba's obsession over gaining her father's love, and inability to do so, are what make her do the things she does in the end and live up to the title of Wicked. Nessa was her sister who her father actually DID love. Elphaba had to have a love-hate relationship with her from the beginning. I feel Nessa's attitude towards her sister, and the fact that she was 'wicked' long before Elphie, merit her more than the part she was given in either story. Nessarose needs to be as well-developed of a character as both her sister and Glinda, and Nessa's rise to power to be what pushes Elphaba and Glinda towards their positions in the West and North. I like her not having arms better than being in a wheel-chair. This can be accomplished on film much more effectively than on stage. I feel it adds to her character that, despite being born with a disfiguring defect (one that most would consider unattractive), she was horribly vain and effected such an air of grace and self-importance that her fall into evil should feel more inevitable than a shock or change of character. The ability to move, granted her by the magic in the shoes from Glinda, and her position of power as the Imminent Thropp are what allow her true character to come out, and Elphaba's prediction of her being called the 'Bitch of the East' coming to fruition. This is neglected, and I want more of it.

2 comments:

Caroly said...

I, to tell you the truth, never liked Nessarose that much. Not that this was her fault, but when she was little, she took up every inch of her family's life. Because Frex was obsessed with Nessa's needs, he grew closer to her than he did to Elphaba. Nanny was always busy with Nessa. Elphaba grew up with the Nessa-radar.

Unknown said...

I think you have some excellent points here. I think we do need to see more of Nessa in a movie adaptation. I like this blog in general and may comment on other posts.