Written by L. Frank Baum, this fantasy children’s story is considered to be one of the most beloved and iconic stories in American pop-culture. So much so that not only has it been revised and reprinted numerous times, but adaptations have also been seen in films and on the Broadway stage as well. I’m willing to bet that it asked, it almost seems like every American child would be able to recite the story of Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin-man (of course Toto, too) as they venture to the great land of Oz.
When I was young, Baum’s use of descriptive adjectives for the characters and different environments in which they transitioned in and out of throughout the story helped me to really feel like I was a part of it. I still love it to this day- It’s such a fun story!
Although, with that said, as I look back now from a grown-up perspective, I’ve been able to examine beyond just the superficial context of the story. It’s interesting to note the contradictions Baum repeatedly somewhat highlights in the primary character’s actions. Case in point, the Scarecrow so badly wants a brain in order to feel like a true man, yet he seems to do a lot of thinking and problem solving for a guy that only has straw for brains. Here’s another example, the Tin Woodman is suppose to be heartless (literally), yet he’s as emotional and sensitive as a woman with raging estrogen levels. You know what I mean? I find it quite amusing actually.
Okay okay, I’ll restrain myself from further nit-picking Baum’s children’s tale because in the end…it’s just that. Children love it for the colorful and highly imaginative literature, and adults embrace it for the values and lessons that can be taken away from it. One, “there’s no place like home” and two, the ability to accomplish or be anything lies within- you just have to believe it for yourself.
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