In The Wonderful Wizard of OZ, by L. Frank Baum the protagonist, Dorothy seems to have the capacity to set all around her free both physically and metaphorically. Dorothy does
not always spread freedom directly but the result of her actions leads to the freedom of others. Dorothy sets her tough and beaten down Aunt and Uncle free from the desolation and depression of the Kansas prairie with
her joy and innocence, “When Dorothy, who was an orphan, first came to her, Aunt Em, had been so startled by the child’s laughter that she would scream and press her hand upon her heart whenever Dorothy’s merry voice reached her ears” (13). Dorothy also sets the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Lion metaphorical and physically free. She takes the scarecrow down from his post so that he can walk freely and she oils the Tin Woodman’s hinges so that he can walk again, “Oil my neck, first, replied the Tin Woodman. So she oiled it” (55). fantasybooksandmovies.com
Though Dorothy’s determination to make it to the Emerald City to she enables the Lion, Tin Woodman and Scarecrow to receive the physical representations of what they felt they needed to have freedom in their lives, “Now you have a heart that any man might be proud of…I am very grateful to you, and shall never forget your kindness” (198). By the end of the novel, Dorothy has indirectly sets all of the land of OZ free from enslavement though her killing of the wicked Witches, “She was the wicked Witch of the East... She has held the Munchkins in bondage for many years, making them slave for her night and day. Now they are all set free, and are grateful to you for the favor” (23).
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Dorothy clearly has an unusual gift in the novel to free all around her from the bonds that hold them back. Her qualities of courage, heart and brains coupled with innocence enable her to have this innate power.
Baum, L. Frank, and W. W. Denslow. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 2002. Print.
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I never though about Dorothy setting those around her free, but she does. From the first moment she arrives she crushes the wicked witch of the east and then the very ending she has killed the wicked witch of the west. All the evil bondage over oz has been lifted after one visit from Dorothy. However, even though she is setting everyone free, it is not something that she is doing on purpose. Things just kind of happen for Dorothy, and they seem to always turn out for the best.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of Dorothy as an embodiment of freedom is very interesting. It makes me think of the discussion we had about Dorothy as an American character. You pointed out the traits of heart, courage, and brain all culminate within Dorothy to create freedom. I think this definitely ties into her being an American character because the thing that Americans value the most is their freedom, and Dorothy seems to understand that. It also suggests that it takes those three traits to create freedom which means that Dorothy does indeed represent freedom for all.
ReplyDeleteDorothy clearly has a role in helping the other characters in the novel. I agree and think it is quite interesting how Dorothy seems to possess the qualities that her companions are searching for. In contrast though, I think it is interesting how through Dorothy's help her companions become rulers of different lands, while she leaves Oz. While Dorothy is freeing herself of Oz, which is not necessarily a bad thing, it seems a little contradictory to immediately instate rulers. The Lion is the only ruler who is truly elected while the Tin Woodman simply decides he wants to rule the land and the Scarecrow is selected by the Wizard to take his place. So while Dorothy seems to free the land from evil and bondage she still brings forth order, which could be viewed as constricting freedom.
ReplyDeleteThough the idea of liberty that Dorothy embodies is reflected in her actions, I think that indeed she is confined in her way of thinking - otherwise why wouldn't she realize that she has gained family in Oz already. She could have also noticed that Scarecrow already has the brains he wants etc.
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ReplyDeleteCorinne: I had forgotten the Tin Woodman and Scarecrow take power without being elected and I think that it is an interesting point that this curve in the plot is a juxtaposition to what it seems that Dorothy embodies which is freedom.
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