[ad_1]
"What Is This Feeling?" (sometimes referred to as "Loathing") is a song from the first act of the Broadway musical Wicked. It is performed by Glinda and Elphaba, the two main characters, and is a pivotal moment in their evolving relationship.
Context within the Musical:
The song occurs shortly after Glinda and Elphaba are forced to share a room together as part of their university studies at Shiz. Previously, they have had limited and adversarial interactions. Glinda is popular, beautiful, and socially ambitious, while Elphaba is intelligent, green-skinned, and often ostracized.
Content of the Song:
The song is a duet expressing the intense dislike and animosity they feel towards each other. The lyrics detail their mutual frustration, annoyance, and even disgust. They each complain about the other’s habits, appearance, and personality. The irony is that their intense feelings for each other, even negative ones, are actually a sign of connection and the nascent beginnings of their friendship.
Musical Style:
The song is characterized by its fast tempo, sharp harmonies, and overlapping melodies. It begins as a fairly straightforward duet, but soon devolves into a cacophony of competing voices and conflicting lyrics, mirroring the characters’ inner turmoil. The music is deliberately discordant, reflecting the disharmony between Glinda and Elphaba.
Key Lyrics and Themes:
- "Loathing, unadulterated loathing!": This phrase, repeated throughout the song, emphasizes the strength of their initial negative feelings.
- Descriptions of each other’s perceived flaws: The lyrics are filled with specific complaints, like Elphaba disliking Glinda’s vapidity and Glinda disliking Elphaba’s intensity and "greenness."
- Contrast between appearance and reality: Glinda and Elphaba judge each other based on superficial qualities, highlighting the dangers of prejudice and first impressions.
- The unexpected nature of connection: Despite their declared hatred, the very act of sharing these strong emotions creates a bond between them.
Dramatic Significance:
- Turning Point in Relationship: "What Is This Feeling?" marks a crucial turning point in Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship. While they begin the song with mutual animosity, the shared intensity of their feelings ultimately draws them closer together.
- Humor and Irony: The song is intentionally humorous, as the audience can see the underlying connection between the characters despite their protestations. The irony is that their "loathing" is actually a sign of something deeper.
- Exploration of Prejudice: The song touches on themes of prejudice and social acceptance, as Glinda and Elphaba struggle to overcome their initial biases and see each other for who they truly are.
- Foreshadowing: The intensity of their feelings, even negative ones, foreshadows the depth of their future friendship and the complex nature of their relationship throughout the show. It sets the stage for later songs, like "For Good," which reflects on their profound connection.
How the Song Functions in the Narrative:
"What Is This Feeling?" serves several key functions in advancing the narrative of Wicked:
- It establishes the initial conflict and dynamic between Glinda and Elphaba.
- It provides comedic relief early in the musical.
- It sets the stage for their eventual friendship and highlights the power of overcoming prejudice.
- It introduces key themes of the musical, such as the importance of inner beauty and the dangers of judging others based on appearances.
In essence, "What Is This Feeling?" is more than just a comedic duet; it’s a crucial moment in Wicked that sets the foundation for the complex and enduring friendship between Glinda and Elphaba.
[ad_2]