Themes

// A Christmas Carol // has a common theme of redemption throughout the novel. In the Christmas spirit, Scrooge is forgiven for his past behavior and in the end Scrooge finally sees the error in his ways and changes for the better. Also there is evidence of free will throughout, especially with Jacob Marley and The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. When Scrooge encounters Marley, he tells Scrooge that he is destined for damnation if he does not change. Also the Ghost shows Tiny Tim's grave as well as his own grave. It was at the sight of his own grave that he decided to change. Through his free will to make choices, Tiny Tim did not die and he lived the rest of his life in charitly and love.

//Wicked// has varying themes of combatting animal violence, political tension, and issues of religion. This novel also combats the ideas of what good and evil actually are. For example, in //The Wizard of Oz,// Glinda is portrayed and kind and giving. In the novel, she is seen as self-centerd, stuck-up and rude. With these themes comes issues with sexuality and body image. The two sisters both have physical ailments. Nessa has no arms, and Elphaba has green skin. These ailments set them apart from others, it makes them standout. With the author setting these two characters apart he is showing the they are percieved as wicked. Sex also plays a significant role in this novel. Melena has an affair witht he Wizard and drinks his ellixer. It is because she did this, that Elphaba has green skin, is allergic to water, and has premonitions. Her mother also has an affair with Turtle Heart, who might possible be the father of Nessa, and she has a disability as well. Elphaba might be the possible mother of Liir because of her affiar. She eventually dies leaving him on his own.