I can’t guarantee how coherent this post will be, but there have been a few thoughts floating around in my head the past few days. Mostly, I’ve been thinking about the striking similarities between the songs “Let It Go” and “Defying Gravity”. This was sparked by recently listening to the Frozen soundtrack and soon after hearing my sister and her friend singing “Defying Gravity”.
Both songs are originally sung by the same person, the incredible Idina Menzel. They are moments of empowerment for her characters, Elsa and Elphaba. The two have incredible magical gifts that they have been struggling to understand. They have decided to embrace the part of themselves that they have been denying. That’s when the songs become very different.
“Let It Go” is Elsa breaking off from society. She has decided that she can no longer conceal her powers and that her only option is to isolate herself so she doesn’t hurt anyone. A noble idea, but it’s always rubbed me the wrong way that she immediately assumes that in order to be herself, she can’t be around others. Though, in her defense, she did accidentally hurt her sister as a child with her powers.
Elphaba, on the other hand, defies the world as well as gravity. She is tired of people pushing and shaping her into what they want and decides to pursue her own happiness, even if it means the disapproval of others. Granted, she does go a little overboard, daring anyone to try to stop her and stating that no one could. But she doesn’t care what anyone thinks anymore.
Personally, I’d like to be like Elphaba, but if I had to be honest, I’m probably more like Elsa. What about you?
Until next time, fellow wonderers!
Kate G. Jameson 