Explain the symbols in the wizard of oz and why each. Please go here for a great introduction and rest assured there is more on the way. Our little party of travelers awakened the next morning refreshed and full of hope, and dorothy breakfasted like a princess off peaches and plums from the trees beside the river. Mar 17, 2009 thinking the great wizard of oz can grant her wish, she sets out to meet him with her beloved dog, toto, joined by a scarecrow, a tin woodman and a lion. From greek myth to computer chips, purports that the wizard symbolizes bankers who support the gold standard and oppose adding silver to it. Frank baum was a theosophist who believed in rebirth. Hidden christian themes in the wizard of oz faith and. For the novice, collectors will be a good start to learn about the collectible wizard of oz book series by frank baum and oz books guide. Dorothy seeks the wizard of oz to return her home, thus making him a key character as well as the object of her quest. It has been and still can be applied to various different political and social perspectives.
I look forward to bringing this book into my classroom on monday. Screenplay by florence ryerson, noel langley, and edgar allan woo. This book is dedicated to my good friend and comrade my wife l. Come take a tour, visit our exhibitions, and view the gorgeous main reading room. The wizard of oz it is and remains, and weve all heard the title so often that we never really stop to think about what it might mean.
There are 100 pages in this abridgment of dorothys adventures, all. The objective of her travels is to wizard the wizard of oz in emerald city so that she can go home. Katherine sokolowski of read charles santore turns l. The following is a compilation of several views of the monetary reform symbolism used by l. This symbolizes the cynicism that exists in politics due to the fact that politicians tend to change face with different people. Longing for a more exciting life, dorothy sings the nowclassic american standard over the rainbow about her dream of going somewhere more exciting than kansas. What is the symbolism found in the novel the wonderful wizard of. Some scientific symbolism in the story, the wizard of oz in 1898, frank baum wrote what he loudly proclaimed to be a childrens story. The postmortem on the symbolic reading of baum soon followed.
Jul 21, 2010 the wonderful wizard of oz is a modern fairy tale published in 1900, that was written by frank baum who loved editorial cartoons from the newspaper he used the universal symbols of his day to. The wizard of oz symbols, allegory and motifs gradesaver. In the book and the play the shoes are silver, not ruby as they were famously depicted in the 1939 film. Apart from intentional symbolism, scholars have speculated on the sources of baums ideas and imagery.
Dorothy goes home dorothy asked the munchkins how she could get back to kansas. Released in 1939 and starring judy garland, the wizard of oz tells the story of dorothy and her trusty canine companion toto who, along with their house, were whisked away by a passing cyclone to the magical land of oz. Nov 20, 2015 kevin used the wizard of oz as an example to illustrate the five beats of a story. Welcome to an exploration of the symbolism, archetypes, and metaphysics of the wizard of oz. The occult roots of the wizard of oz vigilant citizen. Think the big hidden meaning in oz is about turnofthe20thcentury politics and the gold standard. Oct 08, 2015 the author of the wonderful wizard of oz, l.
The whole problem in the movie is that dorothy followed it looking for the wizard of oz, instead of for oz. Dorothys journey in oz symbolized the golden path in the afterlife. In the book, the tin man, scarecrow and dorothy all saw the wizard quite differently. For anyone looking for an oz gift, they might consider purchase either an individual book or a wizard of oz book series set. The movie, released the same year as gone with the wind, was the product of five different directors and a myriad of studio writers, continually assigned. Symbolism of te wizard of oz by caroline caudle on prezi. The wizard of oz is a nostalgic tale of dorothy, a young farm girl from kansas, who is swept away to a magical land by a tornado. The secret of oz the symbolism in fairy tales true. The symbolism hidden within the wizard of oz decrypted matrix. What is the symbolic meaning of the wizard of oz answers. He wrote thirteen additional oz books, and the film adaptation staring. In the story of the wizard of oz, dorothy, the tin man, the scarecrow and the lion defeat the wicked witch and return to the emerald city.
It has since seen several reprints, most often under the title the wizard of oz, which is the title of the popular 1902 broadway. Although the wizard of oz is widely perceived as an innocent childrens fairy tale, it is almost impossible not to attribute symbolic meaning to dorothys quest. The deadly poppy field of the wonderful wizard of oz by l. Frank baum published his famous novel, the wonderful wizard of oz, in 1900, and underneath the surface of the story, with all its whimsy and childish delights, is what some literary historians claim is a very thinlyveiled allegory. Wizard of oz allegory characters flashcards quizlet.
The symbolism of the wizard of oz came to light again recently after the famous filmmaker, bill still, produced a twohour documentary film, the secret of oz, in which he shakes up the existing economic paradigms and contends that the book contains a solution to the economic problems that plague this country. On her way to emerald city she ran into a scarecrow who had no brains. The yellow brick road represents our spiritual path. May 24, 2009 i know that the wizard of oz represents the election of 1896 with the lion being william jennings bryan, the ruby slippers being silver, and oz being washington. The wizard of oz essays are academic essays for citation. Frank baum this study guide consists of approximately 39 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of the wonderful wizard of oz. Poppies are the flowers that give off the poisonous fragrance that puts dorothy, toto, and the lion.
Dorothy, the main character in the novel, is said to represent the average american. The wizard of oz symbolism goes incredibly deep, from the main characters to the cyclone, those famous slippers, and even toto. Before we try to understand more about the hidden messages in the novel, lets try to picture baums life and era. Over the rainbow symbol dorothy gale is bored by her life on the farm, and she lives in a world literally without color.
What is the symbolism found in the novel the wonderful wizard of oz by l. After a few hours the road began to be rough, and the walking grew so difficult that the scarecrow often stumbled over the yellow bricks, which were here very uneven. The rusted tin man, stuck in the same position for a year before dorothy oils his joints. At a time when some economists fear an onset of deflation, and economic certainties melt away like a drenched wicked witch, what can be learnt from oz. Is there a hidden political allegory in the wizard of oz. The symbolic meaning of the wizard of oz depends upon the inclinations of the reader of the original 1900 book edition or the viewer of the beloved 1939 film version. The symbolic quest to find your inner heroes, face your worst enemy, and attain wholeness. It has since seen several reprints, most often under the title the wizard of oz, which is the title of the popular 1902 broadway musical adaptation as well as the iconic 1939 liveaction film. The founder of theosophy, helena blavatsky, told a reallife tale very similar to the whirlwind that brought dorothy to oz.
The 1939 film starring a young judy garland was based on lyman frank baums book, the wonderful wizard of oz, published in 1900. This book completely opened my eyes to the deeper, metaphysical meanings within the seemlyjuvenile wizard of oz. The wizard of oz is one of the best examples of the usage of color to convey a complex idea. This childhood classic is riddled with esoteric symbolism, and while some believe that the story is an allegory for preserving the gold standard for money, as opposed to paperbacksilver currency it is important to note that the author of. Oh, my, and theres no place like home, are ones that will always pop into our heads when someone. It told of an orphaned kansas girl swept by a tornado into a fantastical world, but who wants to return home to her aunt and uncle.
However here are some of the symbols that have been suggested for the wizard of oz. Political interpretations of the wonderful wizard of oz wikipedia. Frank baums the wizard of oz, also has a deeper meaning. The wonderful wizard of oz is a childrens book by l. Symbolism of the tornado in the wizard of oz architecture. One wellknown theory holds the entire novel is a comment on turnofthecentury monetary policy, where the yellow brick road symbolizes the conservative gold standard, and the silver slippers represent the populists desire to open up the.
The real meaning of the wizard of oz renee fishman. The symbolism of the wizard of oz came to light again recently after the famous filmmaker, bill still, produced a twohour documentary film, the secret of oz, in which he shakes up the existing economic paradigms and contends that the book contains a solution. But many may be surprised to learn that the most popular childrens fantasy of alltime, l. Frank baum and followed by the iconic cinematic masterpiece starring judy garland in 1939, has remained. May 30, 2014 heres the real, forgotten meaning of the wizard of oz business insider may 30, 2014 the wizard of oz book, written by l. Frank baums classic story, the wizard of oz into an heirloom book. This symbolizes the cynicism that exists in politics due to the fact that politicians tend to change face. As in all great stories, the characters and the symbols of the wizard of oz can be given a second layer of interpretation, which may vary depending on the readers perception. The road through the forest of the wonderful wizard of oz by l. The wizard of oz follows the story of dorothy, a young farm girl from kansas.
This classic work of childrens fiction, which in the. Though some believed that baum intended it in his novel as a symbol of the financial gold standard and the emerald city as corrupt washington, d. It was from the collective unconscious, a bubbling cauldron of archetypal images, that the wizard of oz was birthed into existence in 1900 as a book and later reincarnated as a movie in 1939. Whether he meant it to be more or not we will probably never know but in the light of todays world, understanding it is a wonderful teaching tool. A monetary reformers brief symbol glossary by patrick s. The cyclone that brought dorothy to the land of oz had a literal and symbolic meaning from his religion. The wizard of oz explains our economic crisis like a modern. Baum published the book in 1900, just after the us emerged from a period of deflation and depression. The international wizard of oz club has been in existence for over 60 years, and holds annual conventions and publications.
And yet, dorothy is awfully homesick the entire time shes a tourist in oz. The symbolism hidden within the wizard of oz many people believe that the wizard of oz was and is an allegory for the radically new state of affairs that existed in america in the 1930s, following the stock market crash and the bankruptcy of the united states. Still, the main characters dorothy, the scarecrow, the tin woodman, and the lion embody traditional american values. Frank baum and first published in 1900 as an allegory or metaphor for the political, economic, and social events of america in the 1890s. Frank baum and originally published in 1900, may have been. But they didnt know, so they sent her to emerald city to go see oz the wonderful wizard, and to follow the yellow brick road. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of the wizard of oz by victor fleming.
Political symbolism the wizard represents political leaders, particularly any of the us presidents during the late 19th century. His book contains hidden references to his mystic beliefs about death and the afterlife. This study guide consists of approximately 39 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of the wonderful wizard of oz. Benjamin blankenbehler october 27, 2015 october 19, 2016 0. Oct 22, 2015 the struggles and wonders in the land of oz represented her journey toward rebirth. Five alternative readings the classic film was first shown 75 years ago.
Upon crash landing in oz, dorothy was greeted by a party of jolly munchkins and glinda, the good witch of the north. The wonderful wizard of oz study guide course hero. The wizard of oz film symbols, allegory and motifs over the rainbow symbol dorothy gale is bored by her life on the farm, and she lives in a world literally without color. Because everybody knows that this is the moral of the wizard of oz. Quotes from the story such as toto, i have a feeling were not in kansas anymore, lions, and tigers, and bears. Speculation of the parallels between the characters in the book and history of the united states began with a history teacher by the name of henry littlefield. On a stormy and dark day she is swept away in a tornado and lands in a faraway land of the munchkins.
Dorothy gale, the lead character of the wonderful wizard. The wonderful wizard of oz is too long to be a parable and not quite didactic enough to be an allegory. Exploring opium through the wizard of oz national museum of american history. Heres the real, forgotten meaning of the wizard of oz. Munchkin symbolism in wizard of oz architecture revived. The wizard of oz books are so popular around the world that there is even an organization devoted to all things oz. During her travels she encounters a number of characters, some good, some bad.
The secret political symbolism you never knew was hidden within. Jul 24, 2011 the wizard of oz was produced as a motion picture in 1939 by metrogoldwynmayer. Frank baum, and this quizworksheet combo will help you test your understanding of it. In the rise and fall of the wonderful wizard of oz as a parable on populism, david parker recounted the curious interpretive history of the first oz book. Judy garland as dorothy gale, in the 1939 film the wizard of oz. Try egyptian deities, masonic rituals, and archetypical symbolism common to many of the worlds mystery religions. Frank baum wrote 14 wizard of oz books, but his biggest home run was 1900s the wonderful wizard of oz, which mgm turned into a wonderful wizard of oz movie. In the century following the publication of the wizard of oz, scholars and critics have assigned all sorts of symbolic and allegorical meanings to various elements of the novel. The wonderful wizard of oz is a childrens book written by l. Although bowing to the evidence, parker attempted to salvage the allegorical interpretation as a useful pedagogical device.
Both the book and the film the wizard of oz feature iconic scenes of dorothy, toto, and the cowardly lion the only flesh and blood members of the gang, lulled to sleep by a field of poisonous the power of the poppy. Scholars have examined four quite different versions of oz. Frank baums classic childrens novel the wonderful wizard of oz was published in 1900. The symbolism hidden within the wizard of oz jabajabba. Feb 22, 2012 the secret of oz the symbolism in fairy tales this is a long one but worth it the the wonderful wizard of oz written by l. Inspire a love of reading with prime book box for kids discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1. Heres the real, forgotten meaning of the wizard of oz business insider may 30, 2014 the wizard of oz book, written by l. Her character represented the best of what was valued as the. The wizard of oz film symbols, allegory and motifs. Star in your own life story the symbolism of the wizard of oz. Here are 16 hidden symbols and messages that you might never have noticed before in l.
The wizard of oz is a wonderful and, yet old, childrens movie. In that context, he commented that the resolution of the wizard of ozthe takeaway is to be grateful for what you have. I think the tin man represents the industrialism in america. And the central message in the book is all about the rise of populism and the debate over gold versus silver.
More than just a childrens story by lauren houlberg the wizard of oz is a classic, a legend, and a childrens story that will never grow old. What do the characters in the wizard of oz represent. In his reading of the wizard of oz, littlefield believed that dorothy was a standin for the average american, and that the magic silver shoes represented the late 1890s free silver movement. The wizard of oz as a satirical allegory of money and. The bad wizard of oz is a childrens novel written by l. I have a feeling that many of my wizard of oz fans will be clamoring to read it. The wizard represents those humans who sip the nectar of their own illusion and become drunk with greed, power, and control. Hill company in chicago on may 17, 1900, and has since been reprinted countless times, most often under the name the wizard of oz, which is the name of both the 1902 stage play and the extremely popular, highly acclaimed. Since then, there have been many interpretations, from religious allegory to an acid trip. Both versions tell the story of dorothy gale and her adorable dog toto getting stranded in a fantastical land by a tornado, and both include the iconic characters of the scarecrow, cowardly lion, tin man, glinda the good witch. It was adapted into a broadway musical by baum in 1902, and then into its first.
A beginners guide to decoding esoteric symbolism in film. Populism and the world of oz national museum of american. It will certainly be no surprise to anyone to hear that famous classic books such as 1984, the jungle, or brave new world have a much more serious purpose than just pure entertainment. Frank baum in 1900 is loaded with powerful symbols of monetary reform which were the core of the populist movement and the 1896 and 1900 presidental bids of populist democrat william jennings bryan. Political interpretations of the wonderful wizard of oz include treatments of the modern fairy tale written by l. American politics in the 1890s, when baum was writing the book. Both versions tell the story of dorothy gale and her adorable dog toto getting stranded in a fantastical land by a tornado, and both include the iconic characters of the scarecrow, cowardly lion, tin man, glinda the good witch, and the. The wizard of oz and political symbolism sophie tale. As a theosophist, baum believed in a literal afterlife. The political and economic symbols hidden inside the. The wonderful wizard of oz 1939, like many fairy tales depicting a series of fantastic adventures, is really the story of an individuals inner journeya story of personality integration and coming of age. Political interpretations of the wonderful wizard of oz include treatments of the modern fairy. The atheist approach to the wonderful wizard of oz. Symbol of the tornado symbol of dorothys cottage symbolism of yellow brick road symbol of munchkin garden.
Yet the original oz book conceals an unsuspected depth. Only dorothys silver slippers can take her home to kansas, meaning that by dorothy not realizing that she had the silver slippers the whole time, dorothy, or the westerners, never realized they already had a viable currency of the people. Many people are not aware that the wonderful wizard of oz is suspected to have referenced several political issues of the late 1800s. Wizard of oz friday, 12 september 2014 by bruce rawles any movie, just as any life experience from our spacetime projected cinema, can be interpreted by our inner kindness teacher in a way that leads us home to where weve never left. One of the more striking themes of the childrens book is its analogous story to the american dream. Frank baum put hidden symbols in his book the wonderful wizard of oz. The secret political symbolism you never knew was hidden. What is the deeper meaning of the wonderful wizard of oz. According to author and oz series originator lyman frank baum may 15, 1856may 5, 1919, the wizard of oz is an american fairy tale for the enjoyment of children. The great wizard has promised to grant their wishes if. In general frank baum, oz books can be priced from ten to thousands of dollars and. One of the more prominent themes of the wonderful wizard of oz is the american dream. Prices had fallen by about 22% over the previous 16 years, causing huge debt. Symbolism of the wizard of oz scarecrow, tin man, and the cowardly lion witches other interpretations overall dorothy where does the yellow brick road really lead to.
Political interpretations of the wonderful wizard of oz. American dream within the wizard of oz morgan evans. Frank baum wrote the childrens fantasy book the wonderful wizard of oz in 1900. The political and economic symbols hidden inside the wizard of oz. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. When the story begins, despite her good heart and the best of intentions, dorothy is not at all fitting in to life around herthis is why kansas is depicted in black and white. Some historians believe oz stands for an abbreviation of the weight measure, ounce. Frank baums the wonderful wizard of oz offer summary and analysis on themes, symbols, and other literary devices found in the text. But i cant remember what all the other character represent. The lead character, dorothy gale, symbolizes the average american. Historians have found a number of symbols in the wizard of oz, and they all point to one thing.
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