"The wonderful Wizard of Oz" Characters Analysis
classics | 202 pages | Published in 2016
Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
Book Character Analysis: "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"
Introduction
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is a beloved children's novel written by L. Frank Baum. It tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl who is swept away to the magical land of Oz after a tornado transports her house. Throughout her journey, Dorothy encounters a variety of characters, each with their own unique traits and significance to the story. In this character analysis, we will delve into the main characters of the book and explore their roles and development.
Dorothy
Dorothy, the protagonist of the story, is a young girl who hails from Kansas. She represents innocence, bravery, and a longing for home. Throughout the novel, Dorothy displays unwavering determination and is often portrayed as the moral compass. She forms strong bonds with her companions and demonstrates compassion and empathy towards others.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Innocence | Dorothy starts her journey with a pure heart, unknowing of the dangers that lie ahead. |
| Bravery | Despite facing numerous obstacles, Dorothy faces them head-on with courage and determination. |
| Longing for home | Dorothy's ultimate goal is to return to Kansas, highlighting her longing for familiarity and security. |
Scarecrow
The Scarecrow is one of Dorothy's first companions in Oz. He is a sentient scarecrow who desires a brain and represents intelligence and wisdom. Although initially believing himself to be foolish, the Scarecrow demonstrates intelligence and problem-solving skills throughout the story. He acts as the voice of reason and provides logical solutions to the group's problems.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Intelligence | Despite lacking a brain, the Scarecrow often showcases cleverness and wisdom. |
| Problem-solving skills | The Scarecrow's ability to think critically and find solutions is instrumental in overcoming obstacles. |
| Voice of reason | He provides logical guidance and challenges the group to think rationally. |
Tin Woodman
The Tin Woodman is another companion that Dorothy meets on her journey. He is a kind-hearted individual made entirely of tin. The Tin Woodman represents empathy, compassion, and the desire for a heart. Despite his physical appearance, he is one of the most emotional characters in the book.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Empathy | The Tin Woodman shows great empathy towards others, often shedding tears at the sight of suffering. |
| Compassion | He cares deeply for others and is always willing to help those in need. |
| Desire for a heart | The Tin Woodman's longing for a heart symbolizes his yearning for emotional connections. |
Cowardly Lion
The Cowardly Lion is the last companion to join Dorothy on her journey. Despite his intimidating appearance, he is plagued by fear and represents courage and self-discovery. Throughout the story, the Cowardly Lion learns to confront his fears and discovers his own bravery.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Fearful | The Cowardly Lion is often depicted as being afraid, yet he overcomes his fears when necessary. |
| Bravery | Despite his initial fear, the Cowardly Lion displays acts of bravery when protecting his friends. |
| Self-discovery | Through his journey, the Cowardly Lion learns to have confidence in himself and discovers his own inner courage. |
The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz serves as the ruler of the land and is initially perceived as a powerful and intimidating figure. However, it is later revealed that he is just an ordinary man using illusions to maintain his image of power. The Wizard represents authority and deception.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority | The Wizard holds power over the land of Oz and is seen as the ultimate authority figure. |
| Deception | By using illusions and tricks, the Wizard deceives the inhabitants of Oz into believing he possesses great power. |
| Vulnerability | The revelation of the Wizard's true nature shows his vulnerability and human flaws. |
Conclusion
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" presents a cast of diverse and memorable characters. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, and the Wizard of Oz each bring unique qualities to the story, showcasing themes of innocence, intelligence, empathy, bravery, and authority. Through their development and interactions, the characters teach valuable lessons about friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself. By understanding the complexities of these characters, readers can fully appreciate the journey and messages conveyed in this timeless children's book.
