What did Dorothy stand for in the Wizard of Oz?

Answer 1

Some scholars have theorized that the images and characters used by Baum and Denslow closely resembled political images that were well known in the 1890s, specifically the debate of the day regarding monetary policy: the "Yellow Brick Road" represents the gold standard, the silver slippers (which were ruby slippers in the film version) represent the sixteen to one silver ratio (dancing down the road). Many other characters and story lines represent identifiable people or circumstances of the day. The wicked witches of the east and west represented the local banks and the railroad industry, respectively, both of which drove small farmers out of business. The scarecrow represents the farmers of the Populist party, who managed to get out of debt by making more silver coinage. The return to bimetallism would increase inflation, thus lowering the real value of their debts. The Tin Woodman represents the factory workers of the industrialized North, whom the Populists saw as being so hard-pressed to work grueling hours for little money that the workers had lost their human hearts and become mechanized themselves. (See Second Industrial Revolution) Toto was thought to be short for teetotaler, another word for a prohibitionist; it should be noted that William Jennings Bryan, the fiery popular candidate (possibly the Lion character) from the Populist Party, was a teetotaler himself. Bryan also fits the allegorical reference to the Cowardly Lion in that he retreated from his support of free silver after economic conditions improved in the late 1890s. However, it has also been suggested the cowardly Lion represented Wall Street investors, given the economic climate of the time. The Munchkins represented the common people (serfdom), while the emerald city represented Washington and its green-paper money delusion. The Wizard, a charlatan who tricks people into believing he wields immense power, would represent the President. The kiss from the Good Witch of the North is the electoral mandate; Dorothy must destroy the Wicked Witch of the West-the old West Coast "establishment" (money) with water (the US was suffering from drought). Moreover, "Oz" is the abbreviation for the measuring of these precious metals: ounces.

Some biographers and scholars of Baum disagree, pointing to details of Baum's biography, his own statements and writing about the purpose of his book, the ease with which hidden meanings can be found in works not intended to contain any, and the question of why contemporary press did not discuss these perceived metaphors which logically should have been much more obvious at that time. The consensus is that the books are written mainly for the pleasure of Baum's younger readers, to give them a sense of possibility and imagination.

Answer 2

The grate depression funny thing about the land of oz is n is next to o and z is next to y you get it "the land of ny" the author who made this book who was indeed a farmer wanted to earn money for he was not in the greatest situation economically wise. So, he wanted to find a job to ny which to him was like a journey. Pretty amazing huh?

Answer 3

Dorothy represents the innocence, imagination and curiosity associated with childhood. She is the only human who believes in the events that occurred in Oz, because she has the faith and trusting nature of a child. And she is not just any child; she is a child from the Midwest, which means that she also represents the downhome goodness, honesty and kindness associated with that part of the US.

Answer 4

Critics, librarians, and schoolteachers have second-guessed the meaning of the original 1900 book edition, and the beloved 1939 film version, of 'The Wizard of Oz'. Their interpretations have focused on the possible influence of the 19th-century Populist movement in the United States on the actions and personalities of key characters in the beautiful, enchanted, magical land of Oz. For example, according to their guesstimates, the character of Dorothy Gale represented the persevering, practical American of the ending decades of the 1800s. Most particularly have they seen in her the American of the closing frontier in such western states as Kansas. But author and Oz series originator Lyman Frank Baum [May 15, 1856-May 6, 1919] never was known to have indicated that the characters and plot of 'The Wizard of Oz' were anything other than those of an American fairy tale.

Answer 5

That she is a farm girl who meets challenges through her own hard work, personality and wits is the reason why Dorothy may symbolize populism in "The Wizard of Oz."

Specifically, the populist interpretation is not an analytical approach ever known to have been articulated by author and Oz series originator Lyman Frank Baum (May 15, 1856 - May 6, 1919) in terms of "The Wizard of Oz." But great literary works continue to challenge readers who find support for interpretations within and beyond the original author's expressed intentions. Populism therefore can be made to work as an interpretation of the book overall and in particular of Dorothy. Dorothy indeed appears as an ordinary prairie girl who uses common sense, manual labor and her wits to get through life. Populism acts to elevate the ordinary person as key to the unique identity and success of the United States of America as a young country among the world's nations.

Answer 6

Northern and eastern financial interests and southern supporters of the silver standard are what the good witches from "The Wizard of Oz" may symbolize in U.S. history.

Specifically, the political symbolism of characters and events in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is not based on any known verbal or written indication from author and Oz series originator Lyman Frank Baum (May 15, 1956 - May 6, 1919). But great literature lends itself to interpretations far beyond the creator. Such may be the case here, where those who look for hidden political meanings find them in Baum's first American fairy tale. Such interpreters suggest that the unnamed Good Witch of the North represents northern and eastern financial interests and that Glinda the Good Witch of the South represents southern support for the Populist Party's silver standard crusading mission.

Answer 7

The ideal american, or the american hero

Answer 8

Dorothy s house killed 1 witch is the good witch not glenda. the

Ugly one got poored with water she Melted