Understanding Why Fiyero Remained Awake Despite the Flowers in Wicked

Understanding Why Fiyero Remained Awake Despite the Flowers in Wicked

Spoiler Alert: This article includes spoilers for Wicked and its anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good.

Wicked has captivated audiences since its release, showcasing the intricate story of Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo). One notable scene depicts Elphaba using poppy flowers during a class to induce a deep slumber in her classmates. However, one standout character, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), remains untouched by her spell. This film, which is an adaptation of both the acclaimed Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire’s novel, has garnered impressive acclaim, highlighted by its box office success of over $600 million and a Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

The movie delves into Elphaba’s formidable magical abilities, illustrating her capacity to levitate objects and foresee future events. Under the mentorship of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) at Shiz University, she learns to harness her powers. Despite her control, Elphaba’s emotions often dictate her actions, resulting in her decision to cast a sleeping spell in class following a distressing incident involving Doctor Dillamond. Although she enchanted her peers, her choice to exempt Fiyero from the spell marks a pivotal moment in their relationship, as they unite against the injustice faced by animals throughout the film.

Elphaba’s Unconscious Protection of Fiyero: A Reflection of Love

Unraveling Elphaba’s Feelings for Fiyero in “I’m Not That Girl”

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero holding a lion cub
Fiyero in Wicked
Elphaba singing 'Wizard and I'
A scene from Wicked

In a pivotal scene, Elphaba employs the poppy spell to save a lion cub subjected to a cruel experiment. She consciously chooses to spare Fiyero, leading them on a mission into the woods to rescue the cub. Following a brief argument about the spell’s impact, a small mark on Fiyero’s face sparks a fleeting moment of romantic connection. This intimate encounter compels Elphaba to further contemplate her feelings for him, a theme encapsulated in the haunting song “I’m Not That Girl,”which resonates throughout Wicked‘s beloved soundtrack.

The initial interaction between Elphaba and Fiyero is marked by her dismissive attitude. Due to her green skin, Elphaba experiences alienation, leading her to fear that Fiyero would judge her the same way. Over time, she acknowledges her love for him, which paints her choice to exclude him from the sleep spell in a new light. However, her insecurity is evident in “I’m Not That Girl,”where she believes Fiyero is more attracted to Glinda, thus suppressing her true feelings. When questioned about why she spared him, Elphaba remains silent, further emphasizing her emotional turmoil.

Fiyero’s Poppy Scene: A Harbinger of His Role in Wicked 2

Fiyero’s Return in Wicked: For Good

Fiyero with his horse in Wicked
Fiyero with his horse in Wicked

The scene involving poppies serves as a clever foreshadowing of Fiyero’s future in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good. It has been officially confirmed that Fiyero will play a significant role in the sequel, where he will continue to ally with Elphaba in her struggle against the likes of the Wizard and Madame Morrible. As depicted in the original musical, Fiyero’s capture by guards leads to a pivotal moment where Elphaba’s magic saves him from death. This narrative thread suggests a deeper connection to the Wizard of Oz universe, as Fiyero’s resistance to magical effects aligns him with the character of the Scarecrow.

In a notable scene from The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her companions stumble upon a poppy field, only to fall under the Wicked Witch of the West’s sleeping spell. While the Cowardly Lion and Dorothy succumb to the magic, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man remain unaffected. This parallel not only highlights Fiyero’s unique resistance in Wicked, but also serves as an intriguing hint at his eventual transformation into the Scarecrow in the sequel, weaving together the rich narratives of both stories.

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