Home World Spotlight

The Five Profound Lessons In Amanda Gorman's 'Do Us Good' Poem For The Wicked Movie

• minute read
Contents

One of the most compelling artistic collaborations of the past year was the powerful fusion of poetry and cinematic spectacle, specifically when National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman unveiled her original work, "Do Us Good," inspired by the blockbuster film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*. Released in late 2024 to coincide with the premiere of *Wicked: Part One*, this poem instantly became a cultural touchstone, serving not just as a promotional piece but as a profound meditation on the musical's central philosophical question: Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them? Now, as of this current date, December 24, 2025, the poem continues to resonate, offering a timeless message of transformation and collective responsibility.

The poem, a masterclass in modern political and social commentary wrapped in the fantastical imagery of Oz, cemented Gorman's status as a voice capable of bridging high art with mass popular culture. It is a vital piece of the *Wicked* legacy, urging audiences to look beyond the green skin and the glass bubble to examine the complexities of human—and witch—nature.

Amanda Gorman: A Complete Biographical Profile and Major Works

Amanda S. C. Gorman (born March 7, 1998) is an American poet and activist whose work often focuses on themes of oppression, feminism, race, and the environment. Her meteoric rise to global prominence is marked by a series of historic achievements and critically acclaimed publications.

  • Born: March 7, 1998, Los Angeles, California.
  • Education: Graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Sociology (2020).
  • Historic Title (2017): Named the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate in the United States.
  • Inaugural Poet (2021): Became the youngest poet in U.S. history to read an original work at a presidential inauguration, performing "The Hill We Climb" at Joe Biden's ceremony.
  • Major Published Works:
    • *The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough* (2015)
    • *The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country* (2021)
    • *Change Sings: A Children's Anthem* (2021)
    • *Call Us What We Carry: Poems* (2021)
  • Key Awards & Recognition: Recipient of a Genius Grant from OZY Media and the Poets & Writers Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award.
  • Activism: Her poetry is deeply rooted in social justice, often exploring the intersection of art and civic duty.

The Five Profound Thematic Pillars of 'Do Us Good'

The poem "Do Us Good" is more than a simple ode to the Land of Oz; it is a sophisticated dialogue with the core narrative of *Wicked*, which famously re-imagines the story of the witches of Oz. Gorman’s work serves as a literary mirror to the film's exploration of morality, power, and perception, utilizing powerful literary devices like rhetorical questions, alliteration, and evocative imagery.

1. The Central Question of Inherent Wickedness

Gorman opens her poem with a direct and powerful echo of Glinda’s famous lines from the musical, immediately establishing the thematic link. The poem asks, "Are we born wicked or do we have wickedness thrust upon us?" This rhetorical device forces the reader (or listener) to confront the very nature of evil. It shifts the focus from judging the characters, such as Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo in the film) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), to examining the societal forces—the political systems, the media, and the fear—that label and create "wickedness."

The poem suggests that the true villain is not the individual, but the "vast world" that misbehaves, causing us to miss the "world we miss." This is a direct parallel to the musical's critique of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who manipulate public perception to maintain power.

2. The Power of Transformation and Internal Change

A crucial line in the poem, which acts as a thematic thesis, states: "When something changes within us, something changes in this vast world." This is the core message of hope and activism that runs through all of Gorman’s work, from "The Hill We Climb" to this commissioned piece. It suggests that the fight against external oppression (or "wickedness") must begin with an internal revolution of perspective and courage.

This theme perfectly aligns with Elphaba's journey in *Wicked*, where her transformation from an outcast to the Wicked Witch of the West is a reaction to the corruption she witnesses. Gorman’s poem elevates this narrative from a personal tragedy to a universal call for self-examination and ethical action, emphasizing that every individual "deserves the chance to try" to do good.

3. The Imagery of Oz and the Emerald City

To establish strong topical authority, Gorman expertly weaves in imagery specific to the Land of Oz. The poem mentions staring down the "emerald tower," a clear reference to the Emerald City, the seat of power and illusion in the story. This imagery is not merely decorative; it represents the intimidating, centralized authority that the protagonists must challenge.

By using terms like "Ozians" and the concept of "flying" (a nod to Elphaba’s iconic moment), the poem grounds its philosophical message in the fantastical world of the film. The message is clear: the most dangerous form of wickedness is the one perpetuated by those in power who hide behind green spectacle and manufactured fear.

The Poem as a Masterpiece of Commissioned Art

The collaboration between Amanda Gorman and the *Wicked* film’s creative team, including director Jon M. Chu, highlights a new era of cross-media marketing. Unlike traditional movie tie-ins, "Do Us Good" functions as a legitimate piece of art that enriches the source material. It gave the film’s release a literary and intellectual weight, drawing in audiences interested in the deeper societal discussions that the musical provokes.

The poem’s success lies in its ability to be simultaneously accessible and profound. It uses simple, powerful language—a hallmark of Gorman’s style—to tackle complex moral ambiguities. This approach makes the poem a perfect companion to the film, offering a contemporary lens through which to view the timeless themes of friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice in a world that fears difference.

Ultimately, "Do Us Good" serves as a final, encouraging note to the audience after watching the saga of Elphaba and Glinda. It reminds us that the narrative of *Wicked* is not just about two witches in Oz, but about the choice we all make every day: to accept the labels thrust upon us or to defy gravity and redefine what it means to be good.

amanda gorman wicked poem
amanda gorman wicked poem

Detail Author:

  • Name : Bradly Steuber
  • Username : xcarter
  • Email : danielle27@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1986-12-31
  • Address : 77506 Alexanne Glen Apt. 192 Port Rosalyn, SD 26763-3293
  • Phone : +1 (559) 272-3704
  • Company : Gerlach Inc
  • Job : Geography Teacher
  • Bio : Maiores labore saepe facilis nihil expedita. Nam ad eos atque amet aut. Dolore doloremque illum quod alias vitae sunt. Cupiditate id ut architecto autem.

Socials

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/mustafa.cruickshank
  • username : mustafa.cruickshank
  • bio : Est adipisci numquam aut non aut. Soluta accusantium voluptatem quis non reiciendis. Eaque molestiae quo quis culpa deleniti. Eos id repudiandae labore aut.
  • followers : 4624
  • following : 1036

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/cruickshankm
  • username : cruickshankm
  • bio : Ipsam ut architecto quos dolores harum. Sed iusto magni molestiae.
  • followers : 3702
  • following : 2761

Random Posts