“Stray Bits of Philosophy. . .”
This is how the New York Times book review described The Wizard’s style, pointing to the impact of not just its delightful characters, but also to the values that Baum was inserting in-between the lines. It is common knowledge that Baum’s book has been used to describe political and economic history of the turn-of-the-century populist movement. Readers should know that there is no proof that this was Baum’s intention in writing this book. Instead, the credit for this connection should be given to a 1964 history teacher, Henry Littlefield, who first wrote an article explaining how well The Wizard of Oz worked in teaching his students about this period through allegory. This article has had lasting influence on many historians. Still, fans of the book claim that there is no political connection. Now, thanks to Baum scholars who have investigated Baum’s political leanings, we know that at the very least Baum had sympathetic populist leanings. Regardless, it is clear that The Wizard of Oz is not without values to impart.
One of these values lies in the tendency of the characters to display modesty whenever possible. Dorothy is convinced that she is only an ordinary little girl placed in extraordinary conditions. This plays on the Little Lord Fauntleroy mechanism of misfortunate youth who were unaware of their special status. The Tin Woodman has no heart, but is careful not to hurt even the tiniest of creatures. The Scarecrow, who has complete lack of brains, is the character who solves most of the group’s problems along the way. As for the Lion, I was convinced he really was a coward until he states “We are lost, for they will surely tear us to pieces with their sharp claws. But stand close behind me, and I will fight them as long as I am alive (W.O., pg.63).
Also a recurring theme is that having courage and risking the unknown is important to success. The characters seem to have a “nothing ventured, nothing gained” type attitude. This is clear when Dorothy responds to the Scarecrow’s question of whether the Wizard will be able to help, “I cannot tell,” she says, “but you may come with me, if you like. If Oz will not give you any brains you will be no worse off than you are now.” What’s more, the risks in the book seem to pay off when everyone is eventually given their “heart’s desire” at the end of the story.
And it is Dorothy’s desire that seems to take precedence over those of her misguided friends. It seems to be the key to the book (and the movie as well) that people have a need to belong somewhere and have a place to call home. Also, no matter how wonderful and exiting places are that they visit and no matter how many unforgettable adventures they have, they still miss the place they call home. Dorothy never forgets Aunt Em and Uncle Henry and talks of them frequently. Perhaps it will disappoint those who have never read the book that Dorothy never clicks the heals of ruby slippers at the end, but she does tell the Scarecrow near the beginning, “No matter how dreary and gray our homes are, we people of flesh and blood would rather live there than in any other country, be it ever so beautiful. There is no place like home" (WO,pg.33) . This continues to be, with a little help from Judy Garland, the enduring message of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum
Historical Children's Literature
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign