"What Is This Feeling?": A Dive into the Complicated Dynamic of Glinda and Elphaba
The power of music to highlight complex emotions is undeniable, and "What Is This Feeling?" from the musical Wicked truly exemplifies this. This powerful ballad dives into the tumultuous relationship between Glinda and Elphaba, two witches with starkly contrasting personalities and a deeply intertwined fate.
"What Is This Feeling?" perfectly captures the initial animosity between these two iconic characters. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their instant, powerful, and undeniably complex connection.
The song opens with vocalist Ariana Grande letting us into the mind of Glinda, who can’t quite place the feeling she’s experiencing. The lyrics, "What is this feelingTotall
New?I felt the moment I laid eyes on you; my pulse is rushing" immediately convey whoa. This isn’t just any crush. This is a feeling so unexpected and intense it throws Glinda off balance.
Cynthia Erivo lends her impressive vocals to bring Elphaba to life, showcasing her initial coldness and distrust. Though she might present as stern and aloof, even Elphaba can’t deny the profound impact of this connection.
But beyond the roaring vocals and saturated with emotion, the lyrics beautifully highlight the competitive nature of their bond. There’s an underlying tension. For every mesmerizing note from Glinda’s side expressing bewildered attraction and underlying envy, Elphaba counters with an equal and opposite force—
"Unadulterated loathing
For your face,
Your voice,
Your clothing
Let’s just say, I loathe it all!"
The clash is clear. Both women are powerful witches with undeniable abilities. This isn’t a simple case of friendship blossoming; it’s a clash of personalities, destinies, and dreams. This potent mix of hatred and attraction sets the stage for their ongoing complex relationship throughout the musical Wicked.
The lyrics, with their clever harmonies and juxtapositions, effectively represent the music’s structure and mirror the differing personalities. While Glinda navigates unfuzzy feelings, Elphaba’s responses are clipped, direct, showcasing her guarded nature. It’s within this tension
—this unraveling, the unexpected clash—that the heart
of "What Is This Feeling?"
rings true, echoing the complexities of song and sisterhood, rivalry and respect.
What are some examples of how the lyrics in “What Is This Feeling?” hint at the contrasting personalities and underlying connection between Glinda and Elphaba?
## Untangling the Magic: A Look at Glinda and Elphaba’s Complex Bond
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re delving into the captivating world of Broadway’s smash hit, *Wicked*, and exploring the fascinating relationship between its two iconic leading ladies: Glinda and Elphaba.
Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a musicologist specializing in the emotional narratives of musical theater. Welcome, Dr. Carter!
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** ”What Is This Feeling?” That’s the question at the heart of the opening duet, isn’t it? The song sets the stage for a complex dynamic right from the start.
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. The genius of “What Is This Feeling?” lies in how it immediately plunges us into the minds of these two characters. Glinda, sung brilliantly by Ariana Grande, is clearly experiencing something intense – a sense of bewilderment, perhaps even attraction – but it’s something she can’t fully grasp. This initial confusion is the seed that blossoms into the complex, sometimes tumultuous relationship we see unfold throughout the show.
**Host:** And that’s what makes the song so captivating, isn’t it? It’s not just a simple love song, but a raw exploration of initial attraction, curiosity, and even rivalry.
**Dr. Carter:** Precisely! ”What Is This Feeling?” masterfully captures the ambiguity of their early interactions. The lyrics are clever and layered, hinting at both the contrasting personalities and the underlying connection that will ultimately bind them together. It’s a powerful foundation for the emotional rollercoaster that is *Wicked*.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Carter. This deep dive into “What Is This Feeling?” has certainly given us a new appreciation for the complexities of Glinda and Elphaba’s bond.
