# The Wonderful Wizard of Oz — Key Concepts & Themes

> Key concepts in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

- [Home and belonging](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/concepts/home-and-belonging.md): Dorothy’s journey through Oz ends when she learns Kansas was home all along — Baum pairs wonder with longing for ordinary love.
- [Self-discovery through companions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/concepts/self-discovery.md): Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Lion seek traits they already show — Baum argues worth is practice, not title.
- [Illusion of power and authority](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/concepts/illusion-of-power.md): The Wizard hides behind smoke — Emerald City dazzle masks a humbug; real power is kindness, shoes, and friendship.
- [Friendship and loyalty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/concepts/friendship-and-loyalty.md): Dorothy’s party succeeds because they protect one another — Oz rewards alliance more than solo heroism.

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