Along the way, Dorothy picks up the usual suspects -- the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion -- but they are each much more dynamic and interesting than Hollywood gives them credit for being. In a sense, they are all the same character, repeating what appears to be the same lesson. They all join Dorothy's journey to Oz hoping the Wizard will grant them some internal characteristic (brains, heart, and courage, as if you didn't know). What is almost immediately apparent, however, is that they already posses that which they seek.
While the four heroes are on the road to Oz, Baum makes his characters' actions speak louder than their self-deprecating words. The Scarecrow comes up with plan after plan to get them around obstacles and out of trouble, while the Tin Woodman cries so much when he steps on a beetle, his jaws rust shut. The Lion, for his part, stands between his new friends and two charging monsters, saying "I will fight them as long as I am alive." Pretty heroic stuff for someone who includes the word "cowardly" in his name. Through the winding course of each new vignette, Baum seems to be systematically setting up evidence for a theme centering on self-confidence and self-acceptance.
When you stop to think about it, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz gives a rather optimistic take on the human condition. We all travel roads which head toward a bright, shining goal, and we're sure that the answers are there. What we have to realize is that, more often than not, what we are looking for is no farther away than a good introspection. Baum also seems to be suggesting, however, that before we can get to that realization, we have to go through a spot of trouble first. I'm thinking that's where the witch comes in.
Article comments
1 - dyrkness
Great insight into the real lesson of the Oz story. The only thing I didn't care for was the cliche "the usual suspects". Suspected of what?
2 - First Aid Training
I guess it refewrs to the suspiction of not being human beings. I know this may seem crazy but I really saw something superhuman about the all thing.
Ready to discuss it, anyway :)