The Secret Behind "The Wizard of Oz" according to Henry Littlefield

  • Editorials
Xiangyi Liu ('28)

       “From the far north they heard a low wail of the wind, and Uncle Henry and Dorothy could see where the long grass bowed in waves before the coming storm.” This is a memorable line in L. Frank Baum's renowned children’s book: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (published in 1900). The story is about a young girl named Dorothy and is set in the magical Land of Oz where she and her pet dog Toto are swept away from their home by a tornado. She learns that she has to destroy the Wicked Witch of the West in order to go back home. 

 

       Henry Littlefield, an American author, educator, and historian, believes that the scenes in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz have a deeper meaning in contrast to the seemingly simple plot. In the novel, Dorothy walks to the emerald city wearing her silver shoes, which is different from the ruby red shoes depicted in the movie. Littlefield believes that this is connected to the Gilded age during the 1890s, when farmers wanted to add silver to gold so that it would be easier for farmers to borrow money.

 

       Littlefield also claims that the characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz represent figures from the Gilded age. Munchkins are ordinary people oppressed by the witches of the East, banks, and monopolies. The Scarecrow is the farmer, and the Tin man is the industrial worker who has been dehumanized by factory labor. The cowardly lion is William Jennings Bryan, the leader of the Democratic Party, supported by the farmers and workers of the populist movements.

 

       Though Littlefield’s theory seems acceptable, L. Frank Baum’s introduction claims that "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was written solely to pleasure children today.” Moreover, doubts and other theories have arisen, questioning whether or not Braum was intentionally trying to convey a hidden truth. Still, regardless of Braum's true intentions, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz remains as one of the world's greatest children's stories known all around the world.

  • Dorothy
  • Henry Littlefield
  • Theory
  • Wizard of Oz
  • musical

More from the Seisen Post

To Love, To Learn, To Be a Woman: An Inspirational Story For All
Penelope Cure ('23) Edited by Nidhi Ponkshe ('23)

This is an International Women's Day special regarding the inspirational story of three women who left everything behind in hopes of becoming future role models for the young women of the 19th century and an inspiration for the upcoming young women trying to make a change in the world of medicine. 

Trendy aesthetics are killing individuality (and capitalism loves it)
Elizaveta Glushak ('23)

With the rise of social media, we've been provoked to wonder what that has meant for how we see and present ourselves. We are limited by trends, by categories, and by the desire to fit in. And of course, it sells: the more we wish to conform to the ever-changing fashion craze, the more products will be sold. In this article, I ponder on this matter. 

itaewonhalloweenincidentimage
Ayumi Matsuzaki ('24)

This article gives an overview of the Itaewon Halloween Crowd Crush that occurred last year. It delves into similar cases in the past to discuss how such incidents can be prevented in the future. 

The Metaverse: Dream or Reality?
Sakurako Ozaki ('26)

Thoughts on the impacts that the Metaverse can have on society, and evaluating the potential dangers of its dreamlike allure.

Why is Wordle Not Popular Anymore?
Ishita Baid ('24)

Wordle, once a beloved online word puzzle game, has lost its charm. Find out what caused the downfall of this simple yet visually appealing game and why it's no longer a favorite among players.