THE WIZARD OF OZ Populism Theory Modern education

THE WIZARD OF OZ Populism Theory

� “Modern education includes morality; therefore the modern child seeks only entertainment in its wonder- tales and gladly dispenses with all disagreeable incident. Having this thought in mind, the story of 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was written solely to pleasure children of today. It aspires to being a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heart-aches and nightmares are left out. ” L. Frank Baum, April 1900.

Background � The depression of the 1890 s was the worst in U. S. history up to that time. Farm prices sunk to new lows. Unemployment caused havoc, desperation, and union militancy among the urban working class. � L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (written in 1900), was a supporter of the Populist movement

Populism � The 1896 election, between Republican William Mc. Kinley and Populist - Democrat William Jennings Bryan, revolved around the issue of gold vs. silver. � Populists saw silver as the answer to America’s problems, offering free and unlimited coinage of silver. � The Republican party disagreed and wanted to remain with the gold standard.

So in truth… � The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was written as an allegory to the situation that was happening in the Midwest. � An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. � Every main character can be traced to either a particular person or group of people. � For example…

The Protagonists

The Scarecrow v. Represents the wise but naïve western farmer, taken advantage of by the industrialists and bankers. v. He wants a brain… what does is this saying about the farmers?

The Tin Woodsman v. Represents the dehumanized industrial worker. He is turned into a machine by industrialists because of his hard work ethic and not having another craft to succeed in. v. He wants a heart… what does this say about the industrial workers?

The Cowardly Lion v. Represents William Jennings Bryan, having a loud roar but was unable to back it up (bite).

Dorothy v. Dorothy is a symbol of the “Everyman” – led astray and seeking the way back home. v. She goes along with the group in her silver shoes. v. She was innocent enough to see the truth before the others.

Symbolism

The Yellow Brick Road & the Ruby Silver Slippers v. REPRESENTS THE GOLD STANDARD v. LEADS TO NOWHERE OR IT LEADS TO OZ v “oz” is an abbreviation for ounce = the standard unit of measurement for gold v. THE SHOES WERE ONLY RED IN THE MOVIE. IN BAUM’S BOOK, DOROTHY’S SHOES ARE SILVER.

The Emerald City v. Washington DC v. Green… Is an illusion v Is the color of money v Represents envy/jealousy v Represents greed v

The Antagonists

The Wizard v. The Wizard, hiding behind a façade and rules. As they enter the throne room, each member of the group sees something different in the Wizard--like all good politicians, he can be all things to all people. v"I thought Oz was a great Head, " Dorothy said. "And I thought Oz was a terrible Beast, " said the Tin Woodman. "And I though Oz was a Ball of Fire, " the Lion said. The Scarecrow thinks he sees a gossamer fairy.

However… v. Later, they confront the Wizard directly and see he is nothing more than "a little man, with a bald head and a wrinkled face. “ v. William Mc. Kinley or his campaign manager, Mark Hanna, who was considered to be puppetmaster of the campaign, “the man behind the curtain”. v. He promised to take Dorothy home in his “hot air” balloon.

The Wicked Witch of the West A figure for the actual American West, suffering under drought and the Dust Bowl v Rain relieves the Mid. West drought, saving the farmers' livelihoods and prevents repossession by the banks. v

The Winged Monkeys Could represent another western danger: Native Americans. v v. Baum even displayed an early sympathy for native Americans of the plains: "Once we were a free people, living happily in the great forest, flying from tree to tree, eating nuts and fruit and doing just as we pleased without calling anybody master. […] This was many years ago, long before Oz came out of the clouds to rule over this land. "

In the end…

v. Dorothy returns to Kansas with the magical help of her Silver Shoes, but when she gets to Kansas she realizes her shoes "had fallen off in her flight through the air, and were lost forever in the desert. " v. She didn't need the shoes after all to find happiness, safe at home with Aumt Em and Uncle Henry… simple farmers.

Historical Implication � The drive for the gold standard to be replaced with silver was lost when Bryan lost the election and the Populist party lost its motivation or drive. � Although the silver had been lost, the important message is a return to the Midwest farmer/family. This is where true happiness remains.

� Back in Oz, the Wizard is dethroned and the Scarecrow (the farmer) rules Emerald City. The Tin Woodman (the industrial worker) rules in the West and the Lion (Bryan) protects smaller beasts in "a small old forest. " � Power has been returned to the people.