Are Elphaba and Glinda Gay in the Original Novel?

December 11, 2024, 3:26 PM

Could Elphaba and Glinda, the principal characters in Wicked, be romantically involved? This query is addressed by the author, Gregory Maguire, who has offered his insights.

Upon viewing Wicked, did you detect a palpable romantic connection between Elphaba and Glinda? If so, you've perceived an element that is, in fact, officially recognized within the narrative.

Throughout the history of Wicked, audiences have long engaged in discussions regarding the nature of Elphaba and Glinda's relationship—whether it leans towards romance or remains strictly platonic. While the stage musical refrains from making any overt declarations about Elphaba and Glinda's queer identity, the pair share a kiss in Gregory Maguire's original novel, and many have posited that a subtle lesbian undertone is present in both adaptations.

Since the film's debut, Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have voiced their belief that both Elphaba and Glinda exhibit queer characteristics. Ariana posited that Glinda might be somewhat reserved about her true feelings, perhaps remaining "a little in the closet." Moreover, viewers have created popular memes and edited clips romantically pairing Gelphie, a phenomenon that has gained considerable momentum and taken on a life of its own.

Now, the author of Wicked, Gregory Maguire himself, has definitively stated that the lesbian undertones between Elphaba and Glinda were indeed "intentional."

In the World of Wicked, Are Elphaba and Glinda Gay?

Do Elphaba and Glinda Harbor Romantic Feelings for Each Other?

In a recent conversation with Them, Gregory was questioned about whether the "sapphic tension" he portrayed between Elphaba and Glinda was a conscious choice. Gregory responded by stating, "That was intentional, and it was handled with a degree of subtlety, restraint, and refinement such that one could surmise that one of those two young women might have harbored stronger feelings than the other and elected not to express them."

He further elaborated, explaining that "Or perhaps, given that a novelist cannot chronicle every single moment, it's conceivable that when the stage lights dimmed and the novelist stepped away for a moment, the girls might have engaged in intimacy while traveling towards the Emerald City. My intention was to suggest this potentiality rather than to make a definitive declaration."

As previously noted, Elphaba and Glinda do, in fact, share a kiss within the novel. This event occurs shortly before their arrival at the Emerald City, leaving ample narrative space for the possibility of an implied romantic encounter.

Could an intimate scene between Elphaba and Glinda occur before the rendition of 'One Short Day' in the musical? Aspiring fan fiction authors, this is your moment to shine.

Regarding the perspectives of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on the prevailing Gelphie theories, Cynthia shared her thoughts with Gay Times, saying, "I believe Elphie is [queer]. She embraces whatever comes her way, and I think she cherishes Glinda. I perceive her as someone who cherishes love itself. There's nothing wrong, in my opinion, with celebrating the profound bond that both of them share. It represents true affection."

Concurrently, Ariana commented, "Glinda might be somewhat hesitant to reveal her true feelings, but if the circumstances allowed, who knows? Given a little more time, it's certainly possible. However, it is fundamentally a genuine love that transcends any specific sexual orientation."

Kristin Chenoweth, the original actress who portrayed Glinda, also echoed Ariana's sentiments regarding Glinda's character in an Instagram post, remarking, "I had that same impression myself quite some time ago."

Long live Gelphie!

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