The Wonderful Wizard of Oz · Chapter
VI: The Cowardly Lion explained
Dorothy and her companions continue their journey through the thick woods.
What happens
Dorothy and her companions continue their journey through the thick woods. They encounter a great Lion who attacks them, but Dorothy bravely slaps him on the nose. The Lion confesses he is a coward, and after learning about their quests to see Oz, he asks to join them in hopes of obtaining courage. The group accepts him, and they continue on, with the Tin Woodman later accidentally stepping on a beetle and crying, which rusts his jaws until the Scarecrow oils them.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological low point where all four…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Self-Discovery and Fulfillment
The Cowardly Lion acknowledges his own cowardice and seeks courage, reflecting a journey of self-discovery.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Dorothy protects Toto, and the group welcomes the Lion, forming bonds of mutual support.
- The Value of Ordinary Qualities
The Tin Woodman's carefulness and the Lion's admission of fear highlight the importance of ordinary human qualities.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy
Slaps the Lion to protect Toto and invites the Lion to join the group.
- Tin Woodman
Explains the journey's dangers, is struck by the Lion, and later accidentally kills a beetle, causing his jaws to rust.
- Scarecrow
Is knocked over by the Lion, then helps by oiling the Tin Woodman's jaws.
- Cowardly Lion
Attacks the group but admits his cowardice and joins them to seek courage from Oz.
- Toto
Barks at the Lion and later becomes friends with him.
Key passages
“I didn't bite him. No, but you tried to. You are nothing but a big coward. I know it, said the Lion, hanging his head in shame. I've always known it. But how can I help it?”
The Lion admits his cowardice when Dorothy accuses him of trying to bite Toto.
This exchange establishes the Lion's self-awareness and his central conflict.
“You people with hearts, he said, have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful.”
The Tin Woodman explains that without a heart, he must be extra cautious to avoid harming others.
This highlights the theme of the value of ordinary qualities and the Woodman's moral compass.
