Okay, when Wicked came out as a novel, I tried to read it. I got about 1/2 way through, and then the weird politics bogged me down and made it too hard for me to power through.
So now I’ve been given a copy of the soundtrack to the musical, and I’m guessing there’s been some changes. I understand ‘Defying Gravity’ is something of an ‘anthem’ to the musical… Can someone explain it to me? Boxed spoilers, if you please… But I’m not getting it. I mean, it’s a very liberating-sounding song, but I’m really not sure what it… Means. A little help?
[spoiler]Elphaba has a run-in with the Wizard - she realizes that he only wants her for her amazing spell ability because it’s a way for him to keep the Animals down (you know, the Man keepin’ the Animals down). That’s a major theme throughout the show (and the book) - the Wizard feels that the Animals are second-class citizens and should be treated as animals (small a, there’s a difference). Defying Gravity is Elphaba deciding to break out on her own to help the Animals - to do what’s right in her eyes. Since she’s pretty much been treated as the ugly sister her whole life, she’s out to prove her own worth.
It’s basically Elphaba letting go of the stigma she’s had her entire life.[/spoiler]
Hopefully, that helps!
E.
And, if I may add, it’s an incredibly powerful moment on stage, because she rises up into the air on the climax note with all the townspeople looking up at her…