# What does the Scarecrow want?

> The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

## Answer

The Scarecrow joins Dorothy seeking brains — he believes straw heads cannot think, though he solves problems from the first day. Baum’s joke: desire for intelligence precedes recognizing you already have it. Wizard gives a diploma; Scarecrow quotes geometry proudly.

Scarecrow represents self-doubt masked as quest. His loyalty and planning drive plot — brains theme is fulfillment through action. Pair with Tin Woodman’s heart and Lion’s courage for trio structure teaching self-discovery.

## Evidence

- [iii-how-dorothy-saved-the-scarecrow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters/iii-how-dorothy-saved-the-scarecrow.md): Scarecrow explains he wants brains.
- [xvi-the-magic-art-of-the-great-humbug](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters/xvi-the-magic-art-of-the-great-humbug.md): Wizard awards symbolic brains.

## Links

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