Discussion Topics

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1. Despite all the enchantments and magic of Oz, Dorothy remains a very down-to-earth girl.  Discuss Dorothy's character. What are the important personal qualities she brings with her from Kansas? Explain how they protect her from harm. 

 

2.When Dorothy and her friends first meet the Wizard, they see him one at a time and he projects a different image of himself for each of his visitors.  Explain why he does this.  Explain the significance of each image.  

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3. The Scarecrow lacks a brain, the Tin Woodman a heart and the Lion courage, but are there advantages to their predicaments?  During their adventures, how does each turn his liability into an asset?

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4. After he is exposed as a humbug, the Wizard says about himself, "I'm really a very good man; but I'm a very bad Wizard." Explain what this means. Explain what evidence there is that he is a very good man. 

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5. Discuss the importance of illusions in the book. How do illusions make the Wizard more powerful? What are the illusions that help the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion?  Is Dorothy helped by illusions? Explain using evidence from the text. 

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6. Compared to Oz, Dorothy's home is dull and colorless, yet Dorothy never wavers in her desire to get back to Kansas. Explain why? Would you be as eager as Dorothy to leave Oz? 

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7. Originally published in 1900. The Wizard of Oz was written to appeal to American children. Discuss how the story differs from older European fairy tales. In what ways are the main characters distinctly American?  Explain how their quest is typically American.