When the cage is the trauma

*Spoiler alert for Wicked: For Good*

Watching Wicked: For Good, I was confused by why the cowardly lion grew up and accused Elphaba of traumatizing him by releasing him. Didn’t the lion see that she was freeing him to be his natural, pre-cage self? Why did he think she was to blame? 

Upon further reflection, I realized we are all too vulnerable to this misunderstanding. Growing up in systems that “work” for us–be it family, religion, healthcare–we believe we are safe and things will work out for us–if we stay within that system. 

Maybe the lion only remembers how his needs were somewhat provided for in the cage–somewhat fed, protected from other creatures. And how, after his release into the forest, he had to fend for himself. He couldn’t though, because he wasn’t taught and trained to gradually adapt. The cold turkey exposure was too much, and he likely froze. Ran away and hid himself in other cages. He was safe, but only for a moment. Shrinking himself, he avoided others and reinforced his own invisible cage. 

But was he truly protected as a cub in the cage? He was controlled, kept small–could he have even grown in such limited confines? He couldn’t roam and explore, as his nature demanded. He was at the bidding of his owners. 

I wonder–what cages feel safe, but are actually keeping me small? What systems have you outgrown? How can you relate differently to the worlds you find yourself in, so you can grow in courage?