Student Blog: Musical “MacGuffins”

I recently learned about a literary device known as a MacGuffin- and if you aren't aware of how it functions, I'll give you a little lesson. MacGuffins are fictional objects, characters, questions or events that set the story in motion; but they're different from a normal plot device. What sets them apart is that the objects themselves are completely insignificant and irrelevant without their incidental purpose. If that was too confusing, here's are some examples; the briefcase in Pulp Fiction, the Death Star plans in Star Wars, and Doug in the first Hangover movie are all MacGuffins. Things that we (the audience) may never see, or only see at the end, but are the reason our main characters are on their path.

After learning about this and thinking of as many movie MacGuffins as I possibly could, I realized that MacGuffins also play an important role in many of our favorite musicals. So, without further ado, Musical MacGuffins.

Sweeney Todd

The MacGuffin here can go one of two ways; either Sweeney's daughter, Johanna, or his wife, Lucy. Everything Sweeney does in this show is in the hopes of someday getting his little girl back, but he loses sight of Johanna as time goes on, and then aims to avenge his wife Lucy. Both are characters and plot devices, and neither are seen by Sweeney until the end - Johanna in disguise, and Lucy (well, you know.) Without one or both of them, there'd be no reason for the horrific revenge Sweeney takes on Fleet Street and it's inhabitants.

Into the Woods (Act One)

The four items. The Baker and his Wife don't collect every item until the end of act one of the story, and the items themselves are of minimal value. The only thing that gives them importance is that they're all required for the Witch's potion. The four items connect all major characters and drive the main plot. Easy, movin' on.

Mamma Mia

You could probably guess this one; who's the dad? That question is why Sam, Billy and Harry all get invites to Sophie's wedding, but the mystery is never solved. The reason for the story, but ultimately not important. (But we all agree that it's Bill, right?)

The Wizard of Oz

For this one, it's the Wizard himself. Dorothy and friends spend most of the movie trekking to find him, only to discover that he doesn't have powers and can't help them.

Hamilton

Some MacGuffins are not so easily found or defined. For Hamilton, I'd like to say that it's the concept of legacy and the question, "who lives, who dies, who tells your story?" That question isn't presented as a major mystery, but it's the driving force behind Hamilton's actions. How will history treat him, and who will carry on his legacy?

In the Heights

Who won the lotto? Because of the "96,000" that belongs to one lucky member of the community, our characters begin to question, lose sight of, and chase their dreams. In the end we learn, of course, that it was Abuela who won the ticket (the discovery of which causes Usnavi to switch up his own dream.)

Legally Blonde

Ooh, Warner! Our favorite hunk of junk is the MacGuffin here. Warner is the reason Elle works so hard to get into Harvard, and continues to work hard in law school until she realizes her worth. Not only that, Warner fits the definition of a MacGuffin; unimportant and irrelevant (and not quite serious enough for the class of '04's valedictorian, either.)

Now, not every musical has a MacGuffin, but there are plenty more than I just listed. So, if you ever have a little free time, have a little literary brainstorm. If you think of any MacGuffins you think I should hear, tweet me @Grace14Callahan!