The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Themes

The main themes in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are good versus evil, home, and friendship.
Good versus evil: Though most characters in Oz are defined as either "good" or "wicked," the
Wizard, who is a bad wizard but not a bad man, represents the real world: while fantasy can
deal in absolutes, the real world is  more complex.
Home: For Dorothy, home represents safety, comfort, and familiarity. Though she finds friends
in Oz, she continuously seeks home.
Friendship: Over the course of their journey, Dorothy and her friends draw strength from each
other and help one another become better people.
Themes and Meanings

Although Baum intended his story as an entertainment for children, it also contains a good deal
of social satire offered with a gently mocking sense of humor. The gap between appearance
and reality is a persistent theme in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and in many of Baum’s other
books. The centerpiece of the book is the journey to the Emerald City, home of the great Wizard
who can grant all wishes. Once the main characters reach the city, though, they find that it is all
an illusion and that the Wizard himself is a fraud. They themselves are capable of all the real
magic.

The strange landscape and the absurd events and creatures are primarily intended for
entertainment, but they also convey a sense of the wondrous and magical parts of life. Readers
can see the book, then, as a good-natured rebellion of imagination against the tyranny of
calculating rationality. The similarities that some may see between this book and intellectual
movements such as surrealism owe much to this rebellion.
Themes

Self-Sufficiency
The predominant theme of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is self-sufficiency. The Scarecrow, Tin
Woodman, and Cowardly Lion all seek external magic to give them qualities they already
possess but fail to recognize. When the travelers come to a wide ditch (chapter seven), the
Cowardly Lion volunteers to try jumping over it. If he can make it, he reasons, he can carry each
of his friends across safely. Discussing the possibility of falling into the ditch, the Cowardly Lion
responds, “‘I am terribly afraid of falling, myself. . . but I suppose there is nothing to do but try
it.’” The Lion does not realize that courage is acting despite fear, not acting in the absence of
fear. In a scene at the end of chapter six, the reader sees both the Tin Woodman and the
Scarecrow demonstrating the very qualities they feel they are lacking. The Tin Woodman
accidentally steps on a beetle and begins to weep. When his tears rust his jaw shut, no one is
able to figure out what his gestures for the oil can mean except for the Scarecrow, who
immediately loosens the Tin Woodman’s jaws with the oil. This scene shows how emotional the
Tin Woodman is and how quick thinking the Scarecrow is. A more mature reader can then
recognize that with the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman, Baum is using
irony to portray the theme of selfsufficiency.
Dorothy’s situation is somewhat different because she needs a magical object (the silver shoes)
to help her get back home to Kansas. Still, she fails to understand that she has had what she
needs all along while continuing to seek it from others. Another important point about the silver
shoes is that Dorothy earned them by killing the Wicked Witch of the East. While she did so
unintentionally, her actions resulted in the freedom of the Munchkins, which in turn resulted in
her being given the magical shoes that will allow her to get home. She was not given a way
home simply because she asked for one; she was given a way home because she improved the
lives of the Munchkins.
Dorothy’s resolve and decisiveness throughout the book also attest to her self-sufficiency. She
is independent and determined, and these qualities ultimately enable her to get back home.
Rather than resign herself to life in a strange land, she refuses to give up on the idea that there
is a way for her to get home.
Good versus Evil
The struggle between good and evil is evident throughout The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. There
are two good witches and two wicked witches. The wicked witches are unable to protect
themselves against Dorothy, who is so good that she feels remorse at killing them. To make the
good/evil dichotomy perfectly clear to young readers, Baum places the good witches in the north
and the south, and the wicked witches in the east and the west.
In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, good always triumphs over evil, and evil respects the power of
good. The Witch of the North gives Dorothy a kiss on the forehead, and this kiss protects her
from harm by the Wicked Witch of the West. When the Winged Monkeys are sent to destroy
Dorothy and her friends, one of them positions himself to attack her but sees the kiss. He tells
the others, “‘We dare not harm this little girl. . . for she is protected by the Power of Good, and
that is greater than the Power of Evil.’”
Baum also demonstrates that there are cases in which a person is not entirely good or evil, as in
the character of the Wizard of Oz. As the Wizard admits to Dorothy, he is not a bad man, just a
bad wizard. Although Dorothy deeply disapproves of his willingness to deceive people, she
forgives him because she realizes that he is not truly evil. Baum teaches young readers that it is
not possible to label real people good or evil because in reality, everybody has a little of both in
them.
There's no place like home
Dorothy lives in a place that many people would be loath to call home. The Kansas prairie is
vast and monochromatic, with dangerous cyclones and an absence of color and beauty. It turns
the once-pretty and young Aunt Em into an old, dour woman before her time. Oz, by contrast, is
stunningly gorgeous and fantastical. It is peopled with strange folk, a marvelous emerald city,
verdant fields of flowers and miles of healthy farmland, deep forests, and adventures galore.
Most of its inhabitants are cheerful, helpful, and virtuous. It seems strange that Dorothy would
want to leave this land for her home. However, the importance of realizing the significance of
one's roots prevails. Dorothy never questions her return. She is from Kansas, her guardians are
there, and she has duties to fulfill. She finds much to love about Oz but knows it is not where
she belongs. This is an understandable mindset for a child - no matter how fascinating or exotic
a place, it is always more comforting to be in a familiar setting. Baum understood his intended
audience well.
Childhood
Although she is portrayed as a 16-year-old in the film, Dorothy is most assuredly a child in the
novel. W.W. Denslow's charming illustrations reveal her to be a wide-eyed, spirited little girl.
Dorothy is the quintessential child heroine, for she is unassuming, open-minded, simple, and
frank. Baum wanted The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to be a fairy tale, but unlike other fairy tales,
his child protagonist does not enter into any sort of adulthood. Like Peter Pan she is still a child
and remains a child even though she undertakes a sometimes-frightening journey and faces
many dangers. Dorothy's childhood is not unlike most people's childhoods - their home seems
dull and boring, and an adventure is welcome and thrilling. Of course, the desire to return home
is also of paramount concern for the child, and this book provides the now-famous phrase of
"there is no place like home." Dorothy's journey in Oz can also be viewed as a typical childhood:
there are close friends but some people to avoid; there are fantastic scenes and experiences
but also obstacles and dangers; there are moral lessons to be learned; and there is a clear,
albeit somewhat rocky, path to self-awareness and autonomy.
Self-sufficiency
The Scarecrow does not think he possesses brains, the Tin Woodman laments his lack of a
heart, and the Lion believes himself bereft of courage. Of course, the reader will see right away
that none of these characters are correct: the Scarecrow is the most intelligent of the bunch, the
Tin Woodman is filled with compassion, and the Lion is full of courage and nobility. All of them
already possess what it is they think they lack, but they are unable to see this for themselves.
They believe that they must ask the Wizard to help them. The Wizard and his benevolent
trickery "reveal" these traits at the end of the novel. The Scarecrow revels in his intellect and
becomes the wise ruler of the Emerald City, the Tin Woodman becomes the kind ruler of
the Winkies, and the Lion uses his power to take his rightful place as King of Beasts. They did
not need anyone else to fix them or solve their problems; they already had within them what
they needed the whole time. The same suffices for Dorothy, who was already wearing the silver
shoes that could have taken her home without help from the Witch. Critics who discern a
Populist theme in the text point to self-sufficiency as an important component of the movement's
ideology. As a fairy tale, the moral of finding one's inner strength is enduring.
Virtue
Baum is very clear in his promulgation of certain traditional American virtues. These include
hard work, modesty, fortitude, and simplicity. The Munchkins and the people of the Emerald City
work diligently and cheerfully; the latter work even though they do not have to. The fields are
well-tilled and the houses well-kept. The people are also modest and humble. These attributes
can be found in Dorothy as well. She does not use the Golden Cap or the silver shoes for any
nefarious or selfish purpose; her conduct is upright and mannered; her dismay and bashfulness
at killing the Witch of the East palpable. Fortitude is exemplified by the steadfast perseverance
of Dorothy and her friends as they travel to the Emerald City, to the Wicked Witch's castle, and
to Glinda's castle. Even though the road is rough and misadventures common, they continue
along their way with minimal grumbling. The combination of the Scarecrow's brains, the Tin
Woodman's compassion, and the Lion's courage allow them to succeed in all of their
endeavors. Clearly Baum values adherence to one's goals. Finally, simplicity is embodied in the
sweet, meek morality of Dorothy. She does not worry or despair. She is not angry or selfish.
She is certainly not an intellectual, but her childishness and wide-eyed nature make her a fresh
and appealing heroine. All of these virtues are subtly praised by Baum throughout the text.
The importance of friendship
The novel makes it clear how important friendship is. First, Dorothy's only friend on the bleak
and windswept Kansas prairie is her faithful canine companion, Toto. He is the only one who
can bring light and joy into her life. But the even more pronounced benefits of friendship come
from Dorothy's interactions with the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Lion. All three provide
emotional and physical assistance to the young girl as she travels to the Emerald City to try and
get back to Kansas. She is carried over a vast abyss by the Lion, forded across a river, saved
from the deadly poppy field, and protected from the various minions the Witch sends after them.
Her friends provide counsel and advice and together solve the journey's thorniest problems.
They are her protectors and, although she is not particularly deep, her confidantes. All three of
them volunteer to accompany her on her final leg of the journey to Glinda's castle, although they
all had other duties to fulfill. All in all, it is unlikely Dorothy would have gotten very far without
them. Friendship in this novel is key.
Good and Evil
Good and Evil are literally and figuratively diametrically opposed to each other in The Wonderful
Wizard of Oz. There are two Wicked Witches and two Good Witches. They reside across from
each other on the geographic axis of North, South, East, and West. The evil witches are
distinguished by their rapaciousness, their enslavement of the people who live in the land they
made their home, and their quest for power. The Wicked Witch of the West tried to destroy
Dorothy and her friends numerous times. The Good Witches, however, provide counsel and
guidance. The Witch of the North bestowed a sacred mark on Dorothy's forehead, which
protected her from evil. This talisman of good is reminiscent of the traditional gift of the goddess
found in the hero's journey arc typical of many forms of literature. Glinda exemplifies good
through her wisdom and benevolence, showing Dorothy the way home; helping the Scarecrow,
Tin Woodman, and Lion realize their true callings; and freeing the Winged Monkeys from the
Golden Cap. There is no ambiguity in the presentation of good and evil. The Wizard comes
closest to the complexity of an actual human being, but overall archetypes and binaries prevail.
The value of the journey
Dorothy's route back to Kansas is not simple. Even though there was a simple solution from the
beginning - the silver shoes - she did not know about it and profited far more from the lengthier,
more dangerous journey it took to get back to Kansas. This journey provided her with several
life lessons. She learned the value of friendship through her three traveling companions. She
came face-to-face with the reality of duplicity and lies through the Wizard's shocking reveal as
an ordinary man. She saw the fight between Good and Evil play out through the Witches. She
found herself tested emotionally and physically. And, finally, she learned to trust herself and that
the answers to her problems lie within her. She benefited from the company of others but the
solution of how to get back to Kansas could be found within all along. This journey, then, gave
her much more insight into herself and taught her how to navigate an oftentimes treacherous
and confusing adult world.
Themes
Themes are described as ideas that dominate a particular piece of literature. In almost all cases,
pieces of literature will be centered a theme or a number of them.
Hidden Strength
All the four traveling companion of Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz believed they don’t have
something which they can only get from the Wizard. The Cowardly Lion wants brain, the Tin
Woodman wants to be given a heart, and lastly, the scarecrow wants a brain. When Oz is reluctant
to grant them their wishes after killing the wicked witch of the west, the four friends become angry
and refuse to listen. They are only satisfied when Oz provides to them with a representation of what
each asked of. While going away from Land of Oz, they finally notice they possess the qualities they
asked from Oz. The scarecrow regularly gives smart solution whenever the travelers are faced with
any challenge.  Although he regularly tells Dorothy he has no brains; it is clear his ideas are as a
result of reasoning. The scarecrow easily notices his mistakes and learns from them. For example,
he’s able to learn something from his mistake of falling its potholes. The scarecrow intelligence
makes Oz leave Emerald city under his care when he was leaving. The Tin Woodman possess a
dangerous degree of sympathy and empathy although he always complains he lacks a heart. The
main scarecrow problem is learning to control his emotions so that they don’t limit him. He is so
emotional that he cries when he sees a dead beetle. The Coward Lion hates himself for being a
coward. He believes he lacks something other lions have. He later identifies with bravely
unconsciously, a major quality in his species. Dorothy’s issue is no back to her home t as easy as
that of her friends.  Her case is a bit complicated as she wants to move from Emerald to Kansas.
Besides no one has noticed her Silver shoes, which she had for so long have magical powers to
help her get home. The silver shoes fit Dorothy so well that one can think they are actually hers.
The Journey
Heroes and heroines in some folk take and myths undertake risky journeys for a particular purpose.
These journeys give the characters a chance to develop resilience. It is through this journey we get
able to identify the strength and weaknesses of the characters. Dorothy finds herself in a strange
land and has to find her way back home. The wonderful wizard of Oz story suggests that it is the
journey that matters and not the arrival. To Dorothy and her friends, the arrival is equally important.
Her resourceful nature ensures she finds someone to explain to her how to go back to Kansas. The
journey to Emerald and from emerald to the witch of the castle of Glinda shapes the four friends
character. The journey also helps analyze the character of the four and realize Dorothy is different
from the three of them. Dorothy as the main character is honored as she receives the knowledge to
use her silver shoes to go back to Kansa from the powerful and good witch of the south.
Home
Dorothy’s desire to get home is a theme that majorly runs throughout in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
novel. Emerald city is beautiful, but Dorothy still misses her uncle’s place at Kansas. It is clear from
Baum’s view that Kansas is not as beautiful as Emerald. Although the author does not portray Uncle
Henry and Aunt Em lovable at the begging of the story, Dorothy loves them and wants to go back to
them. It gets to the point that the little girl cries when told to stay in the munchkins land as the road to
emerald is not safe. The guardians show little empathy to the girl and its only Toto who brings
happiness to her life. The scarecrow is even surprised why Dorothy wanted to leave the beautiful
Land of Oz for a dry Kansas. Dorothy makes it clear that she rather live in the dry land than any
other place because it is her home. What worries Dorothy more is the welfare of her aunt and not the
familiarity of home. She is sure that her aunt worried by her absence.  The importance of a home is
the security and love it provides to a child. Being away from home provides Dorothy with an
opportunity to explore, mature, her place in the universe and return home when she is mature

Summary
Dorothy is a young girl who lives in a one-room house in Kansas with the care-worn Uncle
Henry and Aunt Em; the joy of her life is her dog, Toto. A sudden cyclone strikes, and, by the
time Dorothy catches Toto, she is unable to reach the storm cellar. They are still in the house
when the cyclone carries it away for a long journey. When at last the house lands, Dorothy finds
that she is in a beautiful land inhabited by very short, strangely dressed people. The Witch of the
North informs her that she is in the land of the Munchkins, who are grateful to her for having
killed the Wicked Witch of the East (the house having landed on the witch), thus freeing them.
The Witch of the North gives Dorothy the silver shoes of the dead witch and advises her to go to
the City of Emeralds to see the Great Wizard Oz, who might help her return to Kansas. The witch
sends Dorothy off along the yellow brick road with a magical kiss to protect her from harm.
On the long journey to the Emerald City, Dorothy and Toto are joined by the Scarecrow, who
wishes he had brains; the Tin Woodman, who longs for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who
seeks courage. They face many trials along their route, but they overcome them all, often
because of the Scarecrow’s good sense, the Tin Woodman’s kindness, and the bravery of the
Cowardly Lion. At last they reach the Emerald City, where the Guardian of the Gates outfits
them with green-lensed glasses and leads them to the Palace of Oz. Oz tells them that no favours
will be granted until the Wicked Witch of the West has been killed.

The Wizard of Oz
(From left) The Tin Man (Jack Haley), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), Dorothy (Judy Garland),
the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), and (top) the Wizard of Oz (Frank Morgan) in The Wizard of
Oz (1939), directed by Victor Fleming.
© 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

scene from The Wizard of Oz

(From left) Ray Bolger, Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, and Jack Haley in The Wizard of Oz (1939),
directed by Victor Fleming.
© 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.; photograph from a private collection
The companions head to the land of the Winkies, ruled by the Wicked Witch of the West. The
witch sends wolves, crows, bees, and armed Winkies to stop them, all to no avail. So she uses her
Golden Cap to summon the Winged Monkeys. The Winged Monkeys destroy the Scarecrow and
the Tin Woodman and cage the Cowardly Lion, but they bring Dorothy and Toto to the witch,
who enslaves Dorothy. The witch wants Dorothy’s shoes, which she knows carry powerful magic.
She contrives to make Dorothy trip and fall, so she can grab one of the shoes. An angered
Dorothy throws a bucket of water at the witch, who then melts away to nothing. Dorothy frees
the Cowardly Lion and engages the help of the now free Winkies in repairing and rebuilding the
Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow, and the friends return to Oz.

Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her friends looking on as the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret
Hamilton) melts, a scene from The Wizard of Oz (1939).
© 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content.Subscribe Now
Oz does not summon them for several days, and, when he does admit them into his presence, he
seems reluctant to grant their wishes. Toto knocks over a screen, revealing that Oz is only a
common man. However, he fills the Scarecrow’s head with bran and pins and needles, saying
that they are brains; he puts a silk-and-sawdust heart into the Tin Woodman; and he gives the
Cowardly Lion a drink that he says is courage. He and Dorothy make a balloon to carry them out
of the Land of Oz, but the balloon flies away before Dorothy can board; Oz leaves the Scarecrow
in charge of the Emerald City.
At the suggestion of a soldier, Dorothy and her friends go to seek the help of Glinda, the Witch of
the South. They encounter several obstacles but at last reach Glinda’s Castle. Glinda summons
the Winged Monkeys so that they can take the Tin Woodman back to rule the Winkies, the
Scarecrow back to Emerald City, and the Cowardly Lion to the forest to be king of the beasts.
Then she tells Dorothy how to use the silver shoes to take her back to Kansas. Dorothy gathers
up Toto, clicks her heels together three times, and says, “Take me home to Aunt Em!” She is
transported back to the farm in Kansas.
Analysis
As well as being a wonderful and exciting adventure for children, the novel shows that each of
the travelers already possessed what they had thought they lacked. Dorothy’s pluck and the fully
realized Land of Oz won over young readers, who were eager to see more adventures set in Oz.
Baum wrote 13 more Oz books, and the series was continued by another writer after his death. A
successful stage adaptation of the book opened in Chicago in 1902 and moved to Broadway the
following year, and the 1939 musical film version starring Judy Garland became a cinema
classic, made famous to later generations of children through frequent showings on
television. The Wiz (1978), which starred Diana Ross as Dorothy and exchanged Kansas for New
York City, was another notable adaptation.
Summary
Chapter One features an orphaned girl known as Dorothy. She lives in a small house together with
uncle Henry and Aunt Em. The prairies in Kansas where they live is grey and barren. As a result, her
guardians and dog, Toto serve as her only source of fun. She is fully aware that she needs to savor
most of what she currently has. Her life could have been different without people taking care of her
and a dog that is ready to live with her through the boring times.
One day, a storm comes up while Dorothy and Toto are in the house. It hits it before Toto, and she
could reach the storm cellar. The storm whirls the house in the air and carries it away. Soon the
storm calms down, and they land back on the ground. Both Dorothy and Toto are frightened by the
experience. They move slowly to their beds to have sleep.
Analysis
In the book, Baum sets off the story with a dull description of events. Various reasons may be tied to
the concept. One of them is that he wants the reader to identify the difference between Kansas and
the Oz to the eyes of Dorothy. Kansas is presented as a highly unconducive place for Dorothy to live
in and she to face many challenges in her attempt to adapt to the harsh living conditions presented.
The Oz, as would be indicated in later chapters, would be presented as bearing a lot of fun,
especially, upon the life of Dorothy. As a result, she will have the chance to determine the difference
better the two, which will enable her to make a choice.
He also wants to show that although Dorothy lives in a dull place, it is real and somewhere she can
call home. She is welcome to the place and has a dog friend who has always offered her the level of
loyalty that everyone would wish for. In contrast, the author wants to show that the life that Dorothy
is living is much more desirable, compared to the fantasy life that may be brought by the vibrant Oz.
It, therefore, creates a representation of something to be interested in. Although the prairies are
considered to be less appealing, they present a chance of creating some level of satisfaction that
would not be brought by the Oz. The Oz is only out to mislead people and, therefore, presents a less
chance to lead them in the right direction. He also presents a lessee opportunity to make a person
feel comfortable and at home, in line with some of the expectations that they would bear.
Baum also provides a dull representation of Kansa in the first chapter as a depiction of the kind of
life he led in his life. In 1890, Baum together and his family were living in South Dakota when their
hometown was hit with a cyclone. He had also experienced various cyclone events in his life.
By representing Kansas as dull, he was also adopting the new style of writing that had cropped up
where authors were keen on representing the American frontier in its actual sense. They would,
therefore, bear the opportunity to detail some of the concepts noted about the American frontier in a
way that would make it possible for people to identify with it together with some of the challenges
that it posed to provide them. They would also bear the opportunity to identify with some of the
challenges that they were likely to experience while being in constant with the American frontier. The
concept would, therefore, ensure that people would be able to empathize with some of the people
who live in the area.
Once Dorothy and Toto wake up, they realize that the cyclone has set their hose down. The house
has landed in “a land of marvelous beauty.” A group of strange people approaches them. They are
elated to see Dorothy and Toto. They are warm towards them, and they welcome them to their land,
the Land of the Munchkins. The group of people also thank Dorothy for killing the Wicked Witch of
the East. They seem to bear bitter views and attitudes regarding the dead Witch. The Good Witch of
the North approaches Dorothy and Toto. He explains to them that they are in the Land of Oz. The
land is divided into four quadrants. A witch heads each quadrant.  Two witches in the land are good
while the other two are bad. One of the bad witches is the one who has just died. Thus, only one bad
Wicked Witch remains in the Land of Oz.
Dorothy asks the Good Witch how she can get back home. The Wizard suggests to her to make a
journey to the Emerald City and ask its ruler, the Oz, of how she could get back home. The journey
would, however, be quite risky for her. The Oz is highly respected in the Land. He is deemed to bear
great wisdom and, therefore, his subjects regard him to be highly important to them. Dorothy agrees
to travel to Emerald City to meet the great Wizard. It is only the action that would enable her to
identify some of the ways through which she could be in a position to go back to her home. The
Witch of the North gives Dorothy a kiss of protection on the forehead as she plans to set out for the
journey and vanishes.
Analysis
Dorothy seemed to be quite frightened by the alien-looking race. Although the Munchkins appeared
to be quite welcoming and loving to Dorothy, their physical outlook seemed to be more than Dorothy
could wish to withstand. On being amongst them, she developed the great need to move away to
her home. Baum, however, portrays Dorothy as being ten years old. She is, therefore, about the
same size as the Munchkins. Given the fact that they appear to be the same size, they are deemed
harmless in the book.
Before Dorothy arrived at the land Oz land, it had balanced power; two good leaders and two bad
leaders. Dorothy would, however, destroy the bad Wizard of the East when her house crashes the
villain. As a result, she manages to bring about some level of imbalance in how the land is ruled. The
imbalance may also be noted in the entire plot of the story. Each of the four regions of the land has
its favorite color. For instance, when Dorothy landed in the land, she noticed that the Munchkins
were wearing blue.
Chapter 3
Summary
Dorothy prepares for her journey to Emerald City to meet the great Wizard. She, therefore, decides
to wear the silver shoes of the dead witch. The shoes fit perfectly on her and do not wear out. The
shoes also offer her some form of charm that she could use to outwit the great witch. She sets off
with Toto as they move through the yellow brick road that would lead them to the City of Emerald.
The road leads through a countryside area. The countryside bears some elements and features
which have some semblance of the Kansas area where she used to live in.
On their way, they were caught by darkness. They, therefore, decided to have a rest and spent the
night at a home of a rich Munchkin.  The Munchkin is known as Boq. Boq is strong-willed and willing
to motivate them to take part in the journey. He has the belief that they will be able to subdue the
remaining wicked witch and bring some level of calmness and peace to their land. He, however,
warns them that the journey would be long and dangerous. As a result, they need to have some
level of brevity and be willing to go through the harsh moments as they focus more on actions that
present an opportunity for them to attain the best outcomes. The process also presents them with an
opportunity to establish some of the dangerous moments that they are likely to face in the process.
Proper preparations may also enable them to identify some of the elements that they may need to
hide away from to increase upon their chances of reaching the City of Emerald safely.
The next morning, Dorothy and Toto set off for their journey. They stop along the way to look at a
Scarecrow placed on a pole. The pole is located inside a cornfield. Dorothy is surprised when the
Scarecrow winks and, after that, greets her. The Scarecrow then asks Dorothy to help him get down
the pole. Dorothy is quite surprised as she has not met an inanimate object engage in activities
associated with animals before.
Dorothy then tells the Scarecrow where she is going, and he asks her if he can come with her. The
Scarecrow mentions that he has straw and lacks a brain. He is, therefore, interested in visiting the
wizard to obtain the brain. He believes that with the brain, he will be in a position to make better
choices regarding his own life as well as some of the different situations that he is likely to encounter
in his life.
Analysis
The Scarecrow speaks in a husky voice. The outer protective layer of corn is known as a husk. The
fact that the Scarecrow was used to protect the cornfield is not a mere literal coincidence. The
outcome created from the statement is that of pun and was accurately delivered by Baum. The
Scarecrow also aims to fulfill the archetypal structure detailed in the book. He plays the role of a
wise fool. Although the Scarecrow is not educated, he bears some level of natural intelligence that
cannot be explained. Readers are, therefore, able to determine that the Scarecrow does not have a
brain. He also appears to be smart and capable of solving some of the problems that they encounter
along the way. He is, therefore, available for Dorothy and her friends.
The Scarecrow, therefore, has some symbolic functions. One of them is that he bears the
willingness to be whole. He, thus, shares the same characteristics as the Cowardly Lion. He is at
crossroads and not capable of moving. Dorothy finds him and, therefore, manages to pull him out of
the major problems that he happens to be in. The level of intelligence of the Scarecrow is highly
revealed when they are on the journey. The decisions he makes are not only apt but once which
present a chance for attaining better survival within the different engagements that they are involved
in.
Chapter 4
Summary
Dorothy and Scarecrow walk together as they converse with the aim of getting to know more about
one another. Dorothy explains to Scarecrow that she is willing to go back to Kansas. She contends
that the area is grey and dry. She, however, maintains that it is her home and the only place where
she can feel safe at. Going back to Kansas would also give her the opportunity to see her uncle and
aunt, who have played the role of her guardian for long. Dorothy then decides that they need to stop
and have some lunch. Scarecrow cannot eat, and his mouth is only painted red. Dorothy asks
Scarecrow to give his story. He informs Dorothy that he was only made the day before yesterday.
Thus, the only story that Scarecrow can give is how he was made. He goes on to tell Dorothy how
he came to exist. He also informs her that he realized that he does not have a brain and the case
disturbs her a lot.
As Dorothy, Toto and the Scarecrow continue to move, the road becomes rougher. The countryside
also becomes wider. The vicinity would, therefore, scare anyone who would happen to move through
alone. The company they have with one another is one they treasure as they can find courage in
one another. They can encourage each other to keep moving, even when the journey seems to
thicker for them. During night time, the travelers have no other option than to move through the dark
forest. Toto and the Scarecrow are advantaged as they can see through the dark. Dorothy, however,
has a huge challenge with seeing through the darkness. Toto and the Scarecrow, therefore, have to
constantly wait for her and guide her through the dark and thick areas that they pass through. They
consider her as their best friend and are, therefore, willing to assist her in the different areas that
they happen to move through to enable her to feel not only safe but also courageous. They finally
manage to find a log cottage where they decide to pass the night.
Analysis
Scarecrow wonders a lot why Dorothy wishes to go back to Kansas, given the description she
provides about the place. She describes the area as dry. As a result, one would have the
expectations that the land does not have a lot to offer. It would also fail to provide one with the
opportunity to identify some of the fun activities that may be desirable. Dorothy, therefore, provides
some confusing statements where she shows that Kansas is dry. At the same time, she contends
that there is no place like home. It, therefore, indicates that she is quite happy to be at the place.
She would, therefore, be more willing to go back to her home and, thereby, have a share of a place
that was dear to her. One peculiar aspect about Dorothy is that she does not make mention of either
her uncle or aunt. She also does not express any information or feelings that would aim to show that
she misses them.
The concept, therefore, provides that Dorothy is a protagonist who does not have parents. She can,
therefore, fight for what she believes is right for her without needing to seek the assistance of either
her uncle or aunt. The situation is, therefore, different from other fantasy stories. In most cases, the
protagonist child would not wish to be separated from her parents or guardians. She would,
therefore, have the strong will to engage in practices that provide an opportunity for her to attain the
level of strength that would be imperative for her. The concept would also ensure that she would
learn from those who are ahead of her in to identify some of the elements that she would need to
pay more attention to in to lead a more deserving life.
In the story, Baum makes Dorothy’s uncle and aunt fairly unappealing. Thus, the reader does not
find it queer the fact that Dorothy does not make mention of them. The reader has, therefore, been
conditioned into having the idea that Dorothy may not be quite interested in his guardians. The
reader also gets the impression that Dorothy is a strong girl who has engages in her fights without
needing to seek the assistance of other people. The concept, therefore, prepares the reader for
some of the practices that Dorothy may choose to engage in, which provide a chance of making her
highly revered and someone that other people may seek to emulate. She, therefore, bears some of
the characteristics of a heroine, thereby, making her highly important to people around her.
However, the author can attract the attention of the audience by trying to show the great resilience
that Dorothy had with regards to having the willingness to go back to her home.
Chapter 5
Summary
In the morning, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and Toto left the cottage and headed down the yellow brick
road. As they continue to move down the road, they hear a groan. They, therefore, listen intently to
establish where it is coming from. They manage to determine that the sound is coming from a man
who is made of tin. The man is standing motionless. The man asks Dorothy to get into his cottage,
find some oil and apply on his joints. He contends that doing so would make the joints flexible. As a
result, he moves as he wishes. Dorothy quickly complies with the request of the man. Tin Woodman,
after that, manages to regain his former capability. He can, therefore, walk and talk as he would wish
for. Tin Woodman then seeks information from Dorothy on the nature of their errand. When she
informs him that they are going to the City of Emerald, he asks if he can join them, so they move
together. Dorothy accepts the request. Woodman hopes that by going together, the Oz will manage
to give him a heart. He will, therefore, listen to the cries of other people and have the chance to meet
them in the best way that he can.
As they move together, Woodman informs his newfound friends of how the Wicked Witch of the East
cast a spell on him. The spell, therefore, turned him from a real woodman into a tin one. He also has
discussions with the Scarecrow. He maintains that a heart can bring about a high level of happiness
to an individual. The Scarecrow, on the other hand, maintains that the brain is the important aspect.
It presents a person with the ability to make judgments regarding some of the concepts that he is
likely to face. As a result, the individual may have the chance to identify some of the steps that he
may need to take in to avoid some of the problems that he might be likely to face in his life. They,
however, agree that each party has his views regarding which one among the two elements bears
the potential of creating a high level of satisfaction among them. As Woodman and the Scarecrow
argue about the brain and heart, Dorothy wonders what she and Toto are going to do about food.
Analysis
Tin Woodman needs some healing in just the same was the Scarecrow needs. It is the one aspect
that brings the two together. The act of the Witch in turning the Woodman into tin is an indication of
her need to turn the ax against him. Tin Woodman also bears the belief that he has no feelings
simply because he lacks a heart. However, he has frequent tears, they, therefore, go on to show that
he is kind and caring. He, therefore, wishes to engage in activities that would show a great level of
care towards other people. His actions are likely to motivate other people into feeling worthy of
whom they are. They also aim to show that the physical organ, the heart, has little to do with the
feelings that a person has. The heart that normally creates feelings is something intricate that other
people cannot see. Although Woodman lacks the physical heart, his actions cannot deny that he has
strong feelings that may be critical towards showing the great level of care that he has about other
people. It also shows the great concern that he bears in regards to some of the practices that he
may choose to engage in to be of value to others.
Chapter 6
Summary
Dorothy leads her friends through the woods. They are stumbling with great fear as they try to find a
way through them. Suddenly, a lion starts charging towards them. It knocks the Tin Woodman and
the Scarecrow down. The lion tries to bite Toto, but Dorothy slaps him and reprimands him. The
Lion, ironically, confesses to the group that he has always been a coward. The actions he has done
have been an attempt at being able to move past his cowardice. He believes that to do away with
the cowardice; he needs to bear a high level of action and practice. The concept may also enable
him to identify how people handle the different frightening situations they normally face. He may,
therefore, choose to emulate them to attain the level of growth that they have. Dorothy and his crew
agree to include Lion as part of the team in the errand. They pity him for the high level of cowardice
that he appears to have and hope that he will manage to move away from it. 
The group manages to go through with the journey without experiencing any major challenges.
However, Tim Woodman has an incident where he accidentally kills a beetle. He starts to cry while
having great regret in his heart. The Scarecrow applies oil in his joints to enable him to attain the
ability to talk about. The incident is also an indication of the kind of feelings that the Woodman has.
Although he denies the fact that he has them, he seems to be more caring about those who are
around him. He, therefore, does not wish to engage in any practice that may have a negative impact
on their own lives. The incident, therefore, makes Tim Woodman oversee his steps to avoid hurting
any other insects that he might get into contact with. The case also goes on to show the high level of
care that he might be having for the creatures he encounters. It, therefore, begs the question of the
kind of intent that the Woodman has in trying to get a heart.
Analysis
Although Woodman has great feelings, as portrayed in the incident where he stepped on a beetle,
he still does not agree with the case. He holds to the belief that he does not have the heart to guide
him and that is the reason why he happened to step on the insect. As a result, if he had a heart, he
believes that it would have had guided him into avoiding stepping on the insect. His view, therefore,
shows that his need to have a heart is much more profound than one would expect. It is, therefore,
hard for other people to give him ideas that are different from the beliefs he has held in his heart. It
also goes on to show that his peers need to guide him and continue to encourage him. Through the
process, they may bear the ability to remind him of the great importance that he is to them as well as
to other creatures. The concept would, therefore, accord him the great need to continue living and
be of value to others.
The heart and its ability to lead others into not stepping on insects create a satirical feeling. In the
process, Baum asserts that lacking a heart drives people into not being kind. Once a person gets a
heart, he ends up believing that he will be kind without thinking much about it. The assertions are not
only misleading but ones that create a chance to think a lot about the belief system that people have
regarding hearts and the great importance that they are likely to play upon the lives of others.
Essentially, kindness is portrayed in the actions that a person is involved in and not merely out a
person having an organ called a heart. A person may, therefore, need to put more focus on
conducting activities that would show the great care that he has for others. The person may also
attain some level of care that would go beyond some of the expectations that people have regarding
him.
Readers are, therefore, able to identify the fact that Woodman is kind to the level that he is willing to
go through some form of inconvenience. His major aim is to ensure that he does not engage in an
action that bears a chance to bring about harm to others. The concept may also push him to lack the
ability to enjoy the journey. He pays a lot of attention to some concepts that may be hard to follow
through on the part of his peers. They, however, choose to support him, given the great commitment
that he has to ensure that he does not render some form of harm to other creatures.
 In the same measure, Cowardly Lion appears to be braver than he had earlier on through. He has
surmounted a high level of courage which enabled him to attack Dorothy’s group. He to the action
while being fully aware that it was wrongful and quite contrary to what he would term as desirable
behavior
Chapter 7
Summary
The group has grown larger with the addition of the Cowardly Lion. After having walked for long
hours during the day, they manage to make a camp for the night where they may be able to sleep
and rest. They aim to wake up early in the morning and be able to continue their journey. Dorothy
and her dog, Toto are almost running out of food. She is perturbed that where the food manages to
run out completely, the might lack the ability to continue with the journey. They would be likely to die
out of hunger and fatigue. The scarecrow, however, comes to their rescue where he brings them a
basket full of food.
When morning comes, the group continues their journey. As they continue to move, they come to
the point that has a deep ravine. Most of them are not able to cross to the other point. The Coward
Lion takes the major role in ensuring that they can move to the other side. He makes three trips as
he carries them to the other side on his back. As the group continues to move, they reach a point
that has a wide ditch. Tin Woodman chops down a tree and uses it to make a bridge. The group is,
therefore, able to cross safely.
The actions indicate the great level of teamwork that they have. They are keen on being able to care
for one another in spite of the challenges that they experience along the way. The concept also
indicates a high level of commitment that the team has in regards to being in a position to each the
City of Emerald at the right time. It also shows that they are willing to apply the different forms of
strength and competencies they have to deal with the different problems they experience.
As the group continues to move, they reach a point where they face another challenge. The groups
are followed by monstrous beasts which are known as the Khadijahs. The Scarecrow suggests Tim
Woodman. He, therefore, chops down the other end of the bridge. As a result, the Khadijahs fall into
the ditch. The case, thus, manages to save the group from the high level of danger that it was facing.
The group is, therefore, able to put more focus on some of the measures that it may need to adhere
to while moving to avoid some of the dangers that could come along their way and have an impact
over their ability to reach their destination.
As the group manages to successful outwit the Khadijah’s they face another challenge. They come
to a broad river. The Scarecrow also advices the Tin Woodman to build a raft. However, darkness
befalls them before the Woodman can finish making the raft.
Analysis
The Khadijahs which were following the group had bodies that have heads that look like tigers and
bodies that resemble those of bears. In spite of the scary features they bear, the group can fight
against them by use of intellect and beats them. The outcome of their actions indicates that both the
Lion and the Scarecrow possess the very qualities that they believe they do not have. They are,
therefore, able to look beyond their “incapacities” and outwit some of the challenges that come
along. Through the process, they can remain highly resourceful to the group that they walk with.
They are fully aware that they are walking as a team. As a result, they need to use any strength an
intellect that they have towards their survival as well as to enhance the very aspect of survival of the
other members found in the group. The concept also presents them the opportunity to identify some
of the skills that other members possess, which could be used towards enhancing their survival. The
actions of the Lion and the Scarecrow also makes one wonder of why they are interested in visiting
the wizard.
One of how the Lion shows that he possesses the brevity that he is looking for is where he crossed
back to the side where the Khadijahs is and promised to fight them. The Scarecrow, on the other
hand, was able to provide ideas on some of the actions the group could take to cross the gaps which
seemed to be impassable for some time.  The group was, therefore, able to make use of the
ingenious ideas of the Scarecrow to ensure that they would be in a position to move past the very
danger that appeared to face them.
Chapter 8
Summary
Having managed to protect themselves from the Khadijahs, the group cross the river by use of the
raft that Tin Woodman had made. While the other members manage to pass to the other side of the
river, the Scarecrow gets stuck on the pole, in the middle of the river. The lion comes to his aid,
showing his high level of brevity and resolve to assist them. He swims to the shore, on the other side
and manages to pull the raft to safety.
The Scarecrow gets lost and members of the group attempt to look for him. Three of the group
members get tired as they try to search for him. Fortunately, a friendly stork manages to rescue the
Scarecrow. Having faced the great challenge, the remaining part of the journey becomes easier for
the group. They do not encounter an event that would poise some challenge on the activities that
they are involved in. They encounter a countryside that is appealing to their eyes and quite
welcoming. It is filled with flowers and gives them a happy feeling as they spend some time looking
at the flowers and the general beauty that they bear.
The group, however, encounter another problem, they need to walk through a field of poppies. The
scent of the poppies is strong. It has a chance of making the Lion, Dorothy and Toto fall asleep. Tin
Woodman and the Scarecrow can carry Dorothy and Toto to a place where they can be safe. The
Lion is, however, too heavy for them. Thus, they find it quite challenging for them to carry him. They,
therefore, leave Lion where he is. They wait by the side of Dorothy and Toto till they manage to
wake up from the deep sleep that had befallen them.
Analysis
Baum appears to draw inspiration from Pilgrim's Progress as he outlines the scene where poppy
makes the Lion, Dorothy, and Toto fall asleep. In the book, it details a story of Christian who has to
travel through a given country. The natural air found in the country bears the potential of making a
person drowsy. Christian is also afraid that where both him and his friend, Hopeful, happen to tall
asleep, they might not manage to wake up.
Chapter 9
Summary
While Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow wait for Dorothy to wake up, they see a wildcat chasing a
mouse. The wildcat moves quickly past them, fully, engrossed in her activity. Tin Woodman quickly
chops off the health of the wildcat. The mouse stops and starts talking with the two. He informs them
that the wildcat they have just killed is the “Queen of all the field mice.” The mouse is overjoyed for
the assistance offered by Tin Woodman. He, therefore, promises to grant him any wish that he might
be having. The Scarecrow requests for the mouse to send for her “thousands” of subjects. Each
subject needs to bring a long piece of string. During the time, the Tin Woodman builds a cart on
which the mice can attach themselves. The aim is to ensure that the mice pull the cart in the same
way horses do. The mice work quickly and pull the cart to the point where the Lion is. The Tin
Woodman and the Scarecrow lift the Lion and place him on top of the cart. They then help to roll him
out of the poppy field. By the time they reach the point where Dorothy is, they find her awake. All of
them sit beside the lion as they wait for him to wake up.
Analysis
In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Baum mentions about the wish to eliminate the “horrible and blood-
curdling incidents” normally associated with traditional fairy tales. The information provided by Baum
may be scary to readers, especially where the Tin Woodman chops off the head of the wildcat. It is
both unappealing and one that goes against the principle of extreme care towards some of the
elements that are important in the lives of creatures. However, by drawing information from the
historical perspectives, one may understand why Baum had to make Tin Woodman take such violent
action against the wildcat. During the time, wildcats and wolves had posed a great danger to
American farmers. They had also posed a huge challenge to ranchers. As a result, many people had
a belief in the need to destroy them. It seemed to be a better option. It would serve as a lasting
solution towards them being able to practice their farming activities without having the fear that the
animals would continue disturbing them and destroying the crops they had taken time to cultivate.
Baum also makes a calculated move by having the Lion remain in the poppy field. He, therefore,
wishes to go against the fable developed by Aesop where he had created a scenario where a mouse
owes a Lion. In Baum’s work, the mouse now owed the Tim Woodman. However, the work of Baum
appears to have some seem to have some semblance to some extent. For instance, the mice return
a favor and help to rescue the Lion.
Chapter 10
Summary
The Lion wakes up, eventually. The four friends and Toto the dog continue their journey, following
the yellow brick road. They passed houses and painted that are painted green. They also come
across people who are dressed in green. It is dark, and the travelers stop and knock at a house.
They ask the woman who opens the door if they can spend the night and have a meal at the place.
She agrees.
The travelers reach the wall of the Emerald City the next afternoon. The wall is “thick, high and
green.” They seek to enter the city and are given access by a green-hued man. The man warns the
travelers that the Great Wizard of Oz is the most terrible. He, therefore, shows them that the Wizard
is highly feared in the city. The man gives all the travelers green eyeglasses to put them on. The
glasses help to prevent the travelers from being blinded by the “brightness and glory” of the city. He
after that leads the travelers through a portal that leads them into the Emerald City.
Analysis
As the story continues, Dorothy realizes that the city is not green. The green eyeglasses that people
are required to put on are what fools them into believing that the Green is the color of the city.
However, there are several inconsistencies’ that are drawn from the assertions of the city not being
green. One of them is “green glow in the sky.” If the city is not green, how comes the sky appears
green? The travelers had also seen the gatekeeper before they managed to enter the city. There, is,
therefore, the question of the reason why he had green skin. They had not put on the green
eyeglasses at that moment. The inconsistencies shown confuse readers and would make them find
it hard to decipher the message that Baum aimed to put forth. It, therefore, seems to be among the
errors that the author put in the book, which would be hard for him to notice before publishing it. 
Chapter 11
Summary
The Guardian of the Gates gives Dorothy and her team access to the Emerald City. The city is
glowing and is dumbfounded at the nature of the beauty of the city. Everything, including the skin of
people they come into contact with, is green. The groups reach the Emerald Palace where they
spend the night. Dorothy sleeps at the green bedchamber and experiences what she would consider
being a comfortable night. The next morning, the group is led to the Throne Room of the Oz. They
speak to the Oz in turns, one at a time.
Dorothy sees the Wizard as a massive head that does not have a body. He tells her that he will not
send her home until she manages to kill the Wicked Witch of the West. She would also need to
return with proof that she has killed the Wicked Witch. Dorothy is both horrified and disappointed
with the information she is given. She had expected a smooth sailing in having her request granted.
She would now have to work for it to ensure that it becomes a success. She also does not like the
idea of her killing someone to achieve the wish of going back home.
The Wizard of the Oz appears in different forms to each of all the travelers. However, he gives all of
them the same message. He affirms that he will not grant any of them a wish until the Wicked Witch
of the West is dead. All the friends are saddened by the information they are given. They, therefore,
go to bed planning to begin their journey the following day.
Analysis
The fact that the Wizard fails to grant Dorothy and her friends their wishes is something that is quite
surprising in the Land of Oz. He tells them that they must kill the Wicked Witch of the Wes first
before the wish is granted. The fact that he does not help them first goes against the expectations
held. The main reason why they had sought his help in the first place is that they had been told that
he would do exactly that, assist them. As a result, they now had to go back to the drawing board and
determine how they would manage to kill the Wicked Witch of the West to enable the ruler to grant
their wishes.
The Head tells Dorothy that, “In his country, everyone must pay for everything he gets.” The
information he gives is not true. People had managed to enjoy some services in the Land of Oz
before they even paid for them. The book does not provide an incident where money has been used
in the Land of Oz. Throughout their journey, Dorothy and her friends have been given meals by
people they do not know. However, none of them has charged them any money for the food given.
Since entering the Emerald City, people have had the willingness to serve them and offer them
comfort. Such people did not ask or expect any payment from the group. The group did not also
pass any store that had to gathers their food.
The readers manage to get the idea that the ruler of the Oz is a human from the real world where
Dorothy also comes from. He, therefore, understands the importance of money and the value that it
has. The statements he gives Dorothy are, therefore, more American than what would be expected
in the land of Oz.
The Oz is also fully aware that he cannot grant Dorothy and her friends the wishes that they are
asking for. He, therefore, chooses to accord her an overpowering task of the killing the Wicked Witch
of the West as a way of getting rid of her. He holds the belief that Dorothy might get killed while
trying to subdue the Wicked Witch. The ruler would, therefore, not have shown Dorothy and her
friends about his weakness in according them the wishes they have. The story is likened to the 12
labors of the Hercules. It is also likened to the unreasonable demands that Rumpelstiltskin gave.
Such forms of bargains are commonplace in myths. They are normally aimed at scaring people
away. As a result, they present an opportunity of making a person appear stronger than he is.
Dorothy does not need to shed blood to have her wish granted.
Chapter 12
Summary
 The travelers leave the Emerald City the next morning. They head west as they wish to reach the
Land of the Wicked Witch of the West. The land they pass through is treeless, rough and
unoccupied.  Dorothy, the Lion, and Toto get so tired along the way. They become drowsy and, later
on, fall asleep in broad daylight. The Wicked Witch of the West spots the group from far of by use of
her single and powerful eye. The Witch, therefore, sends her minions to destroy the group. At first,
she sends a pack of wolves. She, later on, sends the crows, the bees and lastly the Winkles.
 All of the minions she sends to destroy the group fail. She, therefore, uses the power of her golden
cap to call the Winged Monkeys. The Monkeys comes with great gist and manage to drop the Tin
Woodman into a rocky gully. They also happen to tear the Scarecrow into pieces. They, later on,
carry Dorothy, the Lion, and Toto to the palace.,
The Wicked Witch sees the silver shoes of Dorothy and the mark that had been left on her forehead
by the Witch of the North. The Wicked Witch of the West, therefore, realizes that she should not dare
harm, Dorothy. She, instead makes Dorothy her maidservant and decides to lock the Lion up in a
cage. During the time, Dorothy secretly brings Lion food while inside the cage. During the time that
Dorothy is held as a servant of the Wicked Witch of the West, she becomes highly unhappy and
fears that she might not manage to see Kansas again.  
The Witch also knows that the shoes of Dorothy hold a secret power. She, therefore, happens to
snatch on shoe from her. Dorothy becomes so angry that she picks up a bucket of water that is near
her and throws it over the Witch. The Witch promptly melts away “like brown sugar.” Dorothy takes
some time to sweep of the melted mass outside through the door. She after that runs towards the
Lion and tells him that the Witch is dead.
Analysis
The chapter draws a lot of influence from the myths of various cultures. The creatures which the
witch sends to attack the group nearing the palace share some semblance of the biblical plagues.
The use of forty crows and forty wolves helps to strengthen the semblance. Forty is deemed to be a
key number in the Bible. The Witch of the East had silver shoes while the Witch of the West has a
golden cap. Shoes and hats that contain various powers are deemed to be common among myths
and fairy-tales. For instance, Hermes, who is a messenger of the Greek gods wears sandals that
have wings. Odysseus and Greek hero, Perseus both had The Helm of Hades, which they wore on
their heads to make them invisible.
Chapter 13
Summary
The Winkles, having been freed from the bondage of the Wicked Witch, is overjoyed. They are also
interested in rescuing and repairing the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman. Dorothy and her friends
take some time to relax. They say goodbye to the new friends they had made in the West and were
now ready to go back to the Land of Oz. They have with them precious gifts which the Winkles had
given them. Dorothy is more practical and puts a focus on what lies ahead. She, therefore, goes to
the kitchen of the dead witch to retrieve some food for them, which they will use while on the
journey. She also tries out the Golden Cap of the dead witch. She is surprised to find out that it fits
her perfectly. Thus, Dorothy carries her sunbonnet and wears the Golden Cap in its place.
Analysis
Baum decides to suspend the action of Tin Woodman’s repair because it is likely to take a lot of
time. The reader may wonder why the author did not find something that Dorothy could do for the
few days as she waits for the Tin Woodman to be repaired. However, Baum attains the outcome of
relaxing Dorothy and her friends as well as the reader, in preparation for what lies ahead. Baum also
avoids depicting the condition of the Scarecrow and Tim Woodman until such a time that they are
well-repaired. As it turns out, they were never dead and only dormant, for some time.
Chapter 14
Summary
The travelers find out that there is no road between the witch and the Emerald City. There is not
even a pathway that they could use which would enable them to reach their destination easily. The
travelers find out that it is a tough going for them in having to go back to where they came from.
They had been flown into the castle by the Flying Monkeys and now were supposed to find the way
out of the place. Dorothy and her companions wander in the woods for some days before they find a
road which leads them out of place.
Dorothy calls the mice for help by use of the magic whistle which the Queen of the Field Mice had
given her. The Queen also tells Dorothy that she can summon the Flying Monkeys using the Golden
Cap. Dorothy looks at the Golden Cap and finds the words of the necessary charm written on it after
following the necessary directions. One pronouncing the words of the charm, Winged Monkeys
arrive in large numbers. The king of the Winged Monkeys agrees to fly the travelers to Emerald City.
While the king is flying Dorothy along, he tells her about the history of the Winged Monkeys. Two
generations before, the grandfather of the king played a trick on the intended husband of a
sorceress/princess who lived nearby. The princess gave out a punishment in which she stated that
whoever managed to own the Golden Cap would become the master of the monkeys. The Witch of
the West, therefore, stole the cap and kept it to herself until the time when Dorothy killed her and
took it. The Cap grants three wishes. By asking to be flown to Emerald City, she has used one of the
wishes. Once they arrive, the monkeys set their passengers down at the front of the gates of the city
and fly away to where they came from.
Analysis
The chapter also details the elements of legends. In the story, the mice perform a favor for someone
who had spared their lives earlier on. The interaction between Dorothy and the mice is important as
it creates an opportunity for the travelers to attain some level of balance with nature. One the way to
the Castle, the travelers encountered some challenges which they had to fight off and ensure that
they would attain the success that would be required. The travelers were, therefore, able to fight
against the crows, wolves and the bees. They had managed to fight them off successfully and win
over them. With the witch being dead, they were able to form a good relationship with the animals,
birds, and insects sent to fight them.
Before Chapter 14, Baum had not mentioned about the magic whistle given by the Queen of the
Mouse. In Chapter 9, the Queen had only told Dorothy and the other travelers to call her in case they
need her. The inconsistency noted is considered part of others noted in the book by Baum.
Chapter 15
Summary
Dorothy and the other travelers arrive at Emerald City. They are forced to wait for several days
before the Oz agrees to meet them. The Oz only agrees to meet the group after the Scarecrow
threatens to bring the Winged Monkeys. The travelers are taken to Oz’s Throne Room the next
morning. The Oz talks to them in a booming voice. They cannot see him but he sits on the throne,
and he assures them that he is the one. The travelers inform him that they have fulfilled what he had
sent them to do. On their part, they hope that the Oz will keep his word to fulfill the specific wishes
they had. The Oz informs them that he will think about it. In a rage, the Lion roars, in which it aims to
threaten the Oz. In fear, Toto jumps over and knocks down a screen that is in the corner of the room.
Behind the screen, there was the actual Oz. He was a charlatan who was using special effects to
fool people whom he ruled. He had done so for many years without them noticing his actions. 
Analysis
Dorothy and his friends are devastated to find out that the Oz is not a wizard. There are two reasons
for their disappointment. One of them is the destruction of the illusion they have held for so long.
They had believed and worshipped a supernatural being that does not exist. The second reason for
their disappointment is the realization that the Oz cannot grant them the wishes they had. They had
traveled for so long and faced various threatening situations and, therefore, felt that they had
invested so much in getting nothing in return. They also realize that they cannot depend on outside
spiritual forces to get salvation. Thus, they have to rely on themselves and, therefore, put more effort
into realizing the different wishes that they held onto for long. The self-reliance concept has been
widely used in children’s literature, especially that of the Golden Age. The Wonderful Wizard of
Oz is, therefore, a good example of the Golden Age literature.
Myths and fairy tales have also used the concept of shattering illusion as a way of detailing different
stories. People have, therefore, had to face some of the realities they are exposed to. They realize
that what they have believed is not true and, therefore, ensure they can rely more on themselves
and the different capacities that they currently have. One of the instances in fairy tales where
shattering illusion is used is where the coach of Cinderella turned into a pumpkin. The occurrence
was more to her surprise.
Chapter 15 also shows that the Oz manages to benefit from being exposed. Now, he does not have
the fear that someone might expose him and show who he is. The situation creates a paradox.
Through the process of unmasking Oz, it shows that he attains the capability to assist Dorothy and
her friends most appropriately. He is not a Wizard who can use magic to grant wishes. He is human
and can, therefore, use his ingenuity to enable Dorothy to achieve her wish. to
Chapter 16
Summary
The Oz states that he is not a wizard, but Dorothy and her friends hold that he must honor what he
had pledged. He uses his ingenuity to “satisfy” the wishes of the travelers. First, he fills the head of
the Scarecrow with bran that is mixed with pins and needles. He also cuts the chest of the Tin
Woodman and places silk heart that is filled with sawdust inside. To give Lion courage, he pours a
dish of medicine. He indicates that since courage is found on the inside, the substance inside the
dish, “cannot be called courage until you have swallowed it.” Once the Lion has drunk the mixture,
he feels that he is “full of courage.” One the inside, Oz feels that it is hard not to be cunning when all
people expect one to do things they know cannot be done. He, however, has no clue of how to take
Dorothy back to Kansas.
Analysis
There is some ingenious wordplay that exists in the chapter, One of them is evidenced with the bran
that the Wizard packed inside the head of the Scarecrow. The word “bran” almost sounds like
“brain.” The Wizard also tells the Scarecrow that he has given him “bran-new brain.” The needles
and sharp pins used inside the bran aim to symbolize the element of mental “sharpness.” Since the
heart of the Woodman is made of silk, it is, therefore, tender. It, thus, aligns with the knowledge that
readers have regarding the heart of the Woodman. They already know that he is tender-hearted.
Chapter 17
Summary
Oz makes Dorothy wait for three days as he tries to find a solution on how to take her back to
Kansas. He later summons her to the Throne Room where he informs her that he believes a hot-air
balloon can take her to her out of the Oz country. The two make silk –green balloon which they
attach to the clothes basket. Oz leaves announcing that he has gone to visit a brother wizard. The
Scarecrow will rule in his place meanwhile. He fills the balloon with hot air while a crowd watches
and gets into the basket. Meanwhile, Toto has vanished as he wanders into a crowd chasing a
kitten. By the time Dorothy finds Toto, the balloon is already rising, and it is too late. The Oz leaves
without Toto and Dorothy.
Analysis
The role of Toto is crucial, although he does not play any starring act in the chapter. He has been
faithful and loyal to Dorothy both in Kansas and the Land of Oz. Toto has been the catalyst in the life
of Dorothy and one of the greatest factors towards her wish to go back to Kansas. Although Dorothy
is disappointed in the balloon leaving without her, she does not envision an event when she would
have left without Toto. Although Toto is just a dog, he is instrumental in the chapter and the life of
Dorothy.
Chapter 18
Summary
Dorothy was somehow happy that she did not need to float around in the balloon. She, however,
needs to get back to Kansas. The Scarecrow offers a request to summon the Flying Monkeys. When
the Monkeys come, they explain that they cannot leave the Land of Oz. The Soldier who had green
whiskers offers that she seeks help from Ginda, who is the Good Witch. The Witch rules Quadlings
which is the Land in the South. Although the road to the South is straight, it is dangerous. Cowardly
Lion, the Scarecrow, and Tin Woodman decide to go along with Dorothy. Dorothy thanks them and
they decide to leave the next morning.
Analysis
Baum introduces the fourth witch in the Land of Oz. Dorothy kills two Witches in opposite ways.
When her house falls on the Witch of the East, it makes her dry up and die. He, however, kills the
witch of the west by pouring water on her. Dorothy has also managed to kills two witches that were
considered bad in the land
Chapter 19
Summary
Dorothy and her friends set of the next morning. They leave Emerald City as they head down
towards the Land of the South. They travel well on the first day. One the second day, they reach a
place that has thick wood. The Scarecrow tries to direct the travelers, but branches twine him all of a
sudden and throw him to the ground. The Woodman rescues the Scarecrow by chopping the branch.
The travelers manage to run past the trees shaking and find themselves blocked by a wall made of
China.
Analysis
There is a question on why the trees do not want Dorothy and her friends to pass. Baum does not
offer any explanation to the effect. As a result, he ends up making the chapter seem meaningless.
Baum also introduces the concept of trees that can talk, move and feel pain, a feature that is
common in folktales.
Chapter 20
Summary
China walls seem endless to the travelers. The Woodman, therefore, builds a ladder to enable them
to climb over it. The travelers are surprised with how the other side of the wall looks like. The other
side has china houses and people who are not taller than Dorothys’ knee-length. The travelers jump
over the wall and walk through the land. They, after that, meet a China princess whom Dorothy
wishes to bring to Kansas. She refuses to say that anyone taken out of the China country becomes
stiff and motionless. The travelers find out that they are out of place in the land and, therefore,
decide to leave. 
Analysis
Chapter 20 also seems to be out of place unlike the other parts of the book. The chapter begins with
the visual pan showing “The Great Wall of China.” The request by Dorothy for the China Princess to
come with her to Kansas also seems to be highly misplaced. The character of Dorothy as shown in
other parts of the book does not seem to be one who would collect strangers from Oz and bring
them to Kansas.
Chapter 21
Summary
The travelers climb down the china wall and enter an unpleasant environment. By the time they
reach the ground, they realize that the country is wider than they had seen. As they move through
another forest, they enter an opening that has hundreds of yowling wild animals. On spotting the
Lion, the creatures fall silent. A tiger approaches them and tells them that a monstrous carnivorous
spider is moving through the forest, looking for wild animals. The Lion, therefore, offers to kill the
spider for them. Thus, they would need to bow down to him as the king of the forest. The animals
happily agree to the arrangement, and the Lion leaves to go and look for the spider.  The Lion finds
the monster asleep and kills it easily by beheading it using a heavy blow of his paw. His new
subjects bow down to him. He promises to come back and rule them. 
Analysis
Although Dorothy, the Woodman, and the Scarecrow are afraid in the new land, the Lion feels right
at home. His attraction to an environment that is not so appealing may be likened to the wish for
Dorothy to go back to Kansas even if it seems dry, grey and boring. Baum has already provided a
place for the future of the Scarecrow and will shortly provide for a future for the Woodman. As a
result, it is only fair that he provides a future for the Lion by providing him with subjects to rule.
Chapter 22
Summary
Dorothy needs to pass through one more hurdle before they reach the Witch of the South. They
have to deal with the Hammer Heads. It is a tribe of beings who do not have arms. They also have
stretchable necks and use their heads like clubs. They have no way of passing through them until
the Scarecrow remembers that Dorothy has the last chance to summon the Winged Monkeys.
Dorothy calls the Monkeys, and they fly the travelers out of the land of the Quadlings. The
inhabitants of the land wear bright red. Buildings in the area are painted the same color.
Analysis
The Chapter shows that heads can be used as weapons. He brings in the concept of Hammer-
heads to show how wild the men are and the effect that they are likely to have on people visiting the
land. The Quadlings are not frightening and are good-nurtured. Baum also achieves the concept of
not stereotyping the female characters presented in the chapter.
Chapter 23
Summary
Glinda welcomes back the visitors while seated on the ruby throne. Dorothy explains that she needs
to get back to Kansas before Aunt Em decides that her niece is dead. Glinda readily accepts to
assist Dorothy in exchange for the Golden Cap which Dorothy offers to give her. However, before
she deals with Dorothy, she ensures that all her companions have places to go to. She asks the
monkeys to fly the companions of Dorothy to their appointed locations. She after that frees the
monkeys forever and can, therefore, not be at the service of another individual. When Dorothy’s turn
comes, beautiful Glinda tells her that the silver shoes she has have the power to take her home. The
only thing she needs to do is to knock the silver shoes three times. While tearful, Dorothy bids her
friends farewell. She picks up Toto and clicks the shoes as instructed. She whirls through the air and
lands suddenly that she rolls over the ground. She finds herself at the Kansas prairies at the new
home that her uncle had built after the first one was destroyed. The silver shoes she had been, “lost
forever in the desert.”
Analysis
The Woodman wished he had a heart while the Scarecrow wanted to have a brain. The Lion also
wanted courage. None of the three realized that they already possessed the things that they wanted.
Dorothy also does not realize that the silver shoes she had have the power to take her back to
Kansas. Dorothy is, however, not sad. She knows that while at Oz, she was of use to her friends.
The journey had also enabled her to mature considerably. Dorothy also attains some strength in just
the same way as a mythical hero. Although she had managed to achieve great things, the desire to
get back home never left her. Dorothy lands back at the “farm,” not a grey place. For Dorothy,
Kansas is equally beautiful.
Chapter 24
Summary
Aunt Em comes out of the house to water her cabbages. She sees Dorothy running towards her.
She hugs and kisses Dorothy asking her, “My darling child! Where in the world did you come from?”
Dorothy tells her that she is from the Land of Oz. She also tells her aunt that she is with Toto.
Analysis
The chapter, being the last one in the book, is brief and sounds like an epilogue. It concludes the
book. The chapter could, however, have been included in the previous one, given how short it is.
Plot Summary

Summary

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz features Dorothy a young orphaned girl who when the story starts, is on
the family farm at Kansas. Dorothy lives with her little dog “Toto’’ under the care of her uncle, Henry,
and her Aunt Em. Dorothy was so full of life. Her uncle and aunt were hardworking but unsatisfied
with life. Toto who was Dorothy’s best friend whom they frequently play together keeps her a happy
and cheerful girl.

The story begins when her uncle is looking after the cattle. Toto and Dorothy were present but not
playing as usual. The cyclone was approaching, and people were worried about its effect. Dorothy,
Toto together with her aunt Em went towards the storm shelter that was to protect them from the
violent cyclone. Before reaching the storm shelter, Toto jumps out of Dorothy’s hands and hides.
Aunt Em enters the storm shelter while Dorothy tries to catch Toto. The cyclone carried the house
away up to the Munchkin territory in the Land of Oz. These happen after it crashes and kills the
wicked witch from the east the ruler of Munchkins. The Witch had been a ruler of the Munchkins.
She had exposed her subjects to a high level of suffering, a situation that made most of them to pre-
empt her death.

 The Munchkins held the belief that great benefit would be borne out of attaining a ruler who will
understand their situation and be keen on looking at how he would take care of them. The death of
the witch elated the Munchkin immensely. As a result, it provided them an opportunity to find a ruler
who would be more concerned about them. The Munchkins were, therefore, quite grateful to Dorothy
and Toto for saving them from the evil ruler.  It is then that Dorothy discovered from the wicked of
the north that for her to return home, she had to rely on the wizard of Oz who was in Emerald city.
Although the journey was dangerous, Dorothy had made up her mind to embark on it. She takes the
dead witch of the east silver shoes, made other arrangements and leaves.

After she left the Munchkin territory in the Land of Oz, she makes new friends with Tin Woodman,
the Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion. The three friends offered to accompany her as they too had
questions to ask the wizard. The Cowardly Lion wanted to get courage from the wizard; the
Woodman wished to have a heart and finally, the scarecrow wants the wizard to help him have a
brain.  The four together with the pet dog arrive at the ever beautiful city of emerald after a long
journey full of challenges. The four friends are taken to meet the wizard differently.  The wizard of Oz
who appears to them in different form. The wizard appears to Dorothy as a giant head on a throne,
to scarecrow as lovely lady in silk cloth, to the Tin Woodman as a beast and too cowardly lion as a
fully energetic man full of enthusiasm. The Wizard of Oz then gives them a similar task. Their wishes
will only be granted if they complete the assignment which was to kill the Wickes wizard of the West.

The journey to the witch’s castle is not easy as the four encountered a lot of challenges on their way.
The wicked witch of the west sends three animals to kill the four friends. When the animals fail to do
so, she uses his powers which disables the Tin Woodman and the scarecrow. She, therefore, led
Dorothy, Toto and the Cowardly Lion to her castle where he imprisoned the lion and made Dorothy
to work as a slave. After staying there for some days Dorothy hopes of going back, hope began to
fade.  Until one day when the witch steals one of Dorothy’s silver shoes and when she’s was about
to take the other Dorothy became furious that she throws a bucket of water on her.   Dorothy is
surprised as the witch melts to nothing. It turns out that water is lethal to the witch.

 Dorothy and her friends manage to go back to Emerald City with the help of Winkies and Flying
Monkeys who are the witch’s servants. They are filled with resentment when they notice the wizard
keeps delaying them. Toto knocks a screen, and an ordinary little man is concealed just behind it
when they are allowed to enter the throne room to meet the witch. The man tells them he comes
from Omaha, Nebraska and has landed there because he blew a drift in a hot air balloon. The man
opts to pose as a wizard since the people living in that particular area believes he is.  It is believed
that the man got people to build Emerald city plus his palace and decide to shut himself inside as a
way of avoiding the two witches who were wicked. A lot of his spell comes from the fact that he’s
never been seen by anyone.

Dorothy and her friends have made the wizards terms and are extremely angry that the wizard has
not honored his part of the deal. The wizard of Oz thinks and finds a way of meeting the
expectations of cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Woodman. The wizard of Oz finds Dorothy’s
wish hard to be fulfilled. Oz then finds a way to satisfy Dorothy and Toto. He opts to take Dorothy
and her pet home. He makes a hot air balloon for the three to leave the country. Scarecrow is given
powers to rule on the witch’s behalf. After they bid farewell to friends and they are ready to take off,
Toto escapes from Dorothy’s arm as he chases a kitten. Dorothy tries to chase him, leaving the
wizard of Oz alone on board and the balloon starts to drift.

The heartbroken Dorothy takes the advice of the guardian of the gates and sets out to one more trip.
The trip is to the castle if Glinda, the good witch of the south who can offer her help. Her friend who
has much love for her offers to go with her to meet the witch from the south. This particular journey
is short but dangerous. Upon arrival at the castle of Glinda, the witch of the south informs Dorothy
that her silver shoes have powers and can help her get to anywhere she wishes to. All she has to do
is to knock her heels together three times. Dorothy embraces her friends, takes Toto with her as she
tries to find her way back home. She finally gets home and lands on the grass next to the newly built
house that was constructed by Uncle Henry.  Aunt Em was so happy that she hugged and kissed
her. Dorothy’s absence made her aunt notice how much she loves her little girl.