http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMLEAAnfxYw
I will admit that I am a huge fan of the show Wicked. Actually, I saw it five times, and seriously considered a sixth. So, it seems natural that as I read the ideas of Marxism and his theory that the illusion of the ruling class is created by the intellectual elite of the ruling class; however, eventually a schism of hostility erupts. I immediately thought of the Wizard of Oz, with the Wizard behind the curtain pulling all the strings. I thought of how the people and the Wizard were like one. Both seemed synonymous in their interests and outlook, and that made the people eager to have a "strong personality" with incredible power as their protector. However, when one looked behind the curtain, there was a resounding hostility that a charlatan had been hiding behind smoke and mirrors and actually usurping the credit that belonged to the people. Unfortunately, there seems to block on importing that scene.
However, I was also reminded of the scene from Wicked, where Glinda is presented as Eva Peron. Someone else chose to make the connection for me, so I am presenting their video work.
The idea that a ruler to further his own power, prestige, and economic interests is not new. Nor is it new that the interests of the general populace must appear to be the focal point of the representative is also not new. It was interesting to read the book, which is even more graphic than the play, where the manipulation of a public figure by forces that remain behind the scenes and appear to represent the common man are historically almost stereotypical and trite. The fact that the reality mirrors the fiction is not surprising.
The main concept that the video highlights is that Glinda always emerges from the heights to mingle with the people she is "one of." She is adored by them, put on a pedestal, but never really on their level, except when she chooses to drop in. The idea of a bubble, something that is ephemeral and reflective. Therefore, like many ideologies of government, it reflects what is around it, even though it is not really the composition of the object. In addition, it will soon burst and disappear, only to be replaced by the next optically pleasing illusion.
Although Baum's book can be looked at as a classic struggle of good vs evil, the political ramifications assessed by adults. Obviously, as supported by Marx, in order to understand the literature more fully, one most understand the political influences that were in place or in flux at the time of writing the work.
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ReplyDeleteOh Catherine! What a lovely idea. I never made that connection (perhaps it's because I never watched Wicked. I'll use my understanding of the story, though, for the comment and read it as soon as I can. it sounds fascinating).
ReplyDeleteGalinda, from what you're saying, mingles with the people occasionally, right? Perhaps she does so to avoid what Marx says about ruling classes being overthrown? Being liked by people makes it awfully difficult to overthrow them, especially when said person understands the general lingo and concerns of those "beneath" them (in terms of power, at least).
Oh Catherine! What a lovely idea. I never made that connection (perhaps it's because I never watched Wicked. I'll use my understanding of the story, though, for the comment and read it as soon as I can. it sounds fascinating).
ReplyDeleteGalinda, from what you're saying, mingles with the people occasionally, right? Perhaps she does so to avoid what Marx says about ruling classes being overthrown? Being liked by people makes it awfully difficult to overthrow them, especially when said person understands the general lingo and concerns of those "beneath" them (in terms of power, at least).