The Wonderful Wizard of Oz · Question
How does The Wonderful Wizard of Oz develop the theme of The Value of Ordinary Qualities?
Answer
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum develops The Value of Ordinary Qualities across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Dorothy's simple, ordinary nature—her kindness, courage, and determination—proves more powerful than magic, as she overcomes challenges without special abilities, relying on her own resourcefulness.
The Tin Woodman's carefulness and the Lion's admission of fear highlight the importance of ordinary human qualities.
The Scarecrow's practical thinking and the Lion's courage (despite fear) prove more valuable than any magical power.
The tiny field mice, though small and ordinary, prove essential in saving the Lion, highlighting the power of humble helpers.
Evidence in the book
- VI: The Cowardly Lion
The Tin Woodman's carefulness and the Lion's admission of fear highlight the importance of ordinary human qualities.
- VII: The Journey to the Great Oz
The Scarecrow's practical thinking and the Lion's courage (despite fear) prove more valuable than any magical power.
- The Queen of the Field Mice
The tiny field mice, though small and ordinary, prove essential in saving the Lion, highlighting the power of humble helpers.
- The Search for the Wicked Witch
Dorothy's simple, unknowing goodness and her ordinary actions (like throwing water) prove more powerful than the Witch's cunning magic.
- The Rescue
The Winkies' practical skills (tinsmithing, goldsmithing) are essential for restoring the Tin Woodman and Scarecrow, highlighting the worth of everyday abilities.
- The Magic Art of the Great Humbug
The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Lion already possessed the qualities they sought; Oz's gifts merely confirm what was already within them.
- XX: The Dainty China Country
The Scarecrow's reflection that being made of straw has its advantages highlights the theme that ordinary, unbreakable qualities are valuable.
