Frank Baum’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” upon which the movie is based, was a political allegory for American politics at the dawn of the 20th century. Dorothy, the Kansas innocent, represents the nobility of middle (and Midwestern) America; the Tin Man is industry, the Scarecrow is agriculture.
How does Dorothy relate to populism?
The obvious message of the story is that there is no place like home. Henry Littlefield argues that The Wizard of Oz is a story representing Populism- a philosophy that supports the rights of the people, and the 1896 presidential election between William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley.
How does Dorothy represent the common man?
Dorothy: it is believed that Dorothy represents American values or people. She proves to be loyal, resourceful and determined. Another speculation was that she represents the U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt. It is thought that Toto also represents average Americans.
What does the Scarecrow represent in populism?
On her journey to visit the Wizard, Dorothy meets the scarecrow and the tin woodman. According to Littlefield, the scarecrow, displaying “a terrible sense of inferiority and self doubt,” represents the American farmer (who made up the bulk of the Populist Party).
What does the land of Oz represent in populism?
Littlefield interpreted the yellow brick road as representing gold and Dorothy’s silver slippers (which were changed in the movie to ruby slippers) as representing the Populist call for backing the dollar with silver. Oz was the abbreviation for ounces, a reference to the Populist call for the government to coin.
What is the moral lesson of the Wizard of Oz?
The lesson from of The Wizard of Oz is to stop trying to be the person you think everyone expects you to be, and simply be who you are.
What did Glinda want Dorothy?
Glinda thanks Dorothy for killing the witch and, despite her objections, insists that she put on the magic slippers, as they now belong to her. She informs Dorothy that they will keep her safe from all harm. Dorothy explains that she is from Kansas and desperately wants to get back home (“Little Girl from Kansas”).
What is the hidden message in the Wizard of Oz?
But in both cases, Dorothy is instantly hailed as a conquering heroine, just as the Wizard was when he touched down in Oz. The message is that people will march behind any authority figure who makes a splash, however undeserving they may be.
What does Dorothy represent in The Wizard of Oz?
Dorothy: it is believed that Dorothy represents American values or people. She proves to be loyal, resourceful and determined. Another speculation was that she represents the U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt. Some people put more faith in this theory more than the other one due to similarnames (The-o-dore and Dor-o-thy).
Who is the main character in the book Dorothy?
The book’s related political undertones were first identified in 1964 in an analysis by a historian named Henry Littlefield. Take a look at what he uncovered. Dorothy, the main character in the novel, is said to represent the average American.
Why was The Wizard of Oz important to populism?
While the literary deconstruction of The Wizard of Oz by Littlefield and subsequent scholars might seem overly strained, their work has been important in creating widespread interest in the history of the 1890s Populist movement, as well as in populism more broadly.
Why does Dorothy’s House fall on the Wicked Witch of the east?
When Dorothy’s house falls on the Wicked Witch of the East, it’s a reference to smashing Wall Street’s power. Her sister, the Witch of the West, symbolizes the financial elite who lived in the western region of the country such as railroad magnates, bankers, etc.
