The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum

There are so many metaphors/allegories attributed to this story, the whole lot becomes mind boggling. I, myself, prefer to see this story as an enchanting fantasy. The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion represent for me, comforting and supportive characters who strive to help someone in need, Dorothy. To assign the Scarecrow the duty of representing American farmers and their troubles in the late 19th century, is a metaphor which could apply but which is lost on readers in this day and age. Again, if not a history buff, the Tin Man no longer represents the American steel industry and their failures during the time period the book was written. And the Cowardly Lion is also lost as a representative of the American Military during the Spanish-American War.  

Today, we can all just read the story and rejoice in its imaginative setting and dramatic episodes of threat toward Dorothy. I believe that I view it as a story of personal strength in the face of interpersonal, natural and imagined threats. Dorothy, as we learn late in the story, is injured and recovering from that injury as she dreams the story. I do not believe that Baum was making any direct or indirect references to events of the time period. It may be, but I believe that critics were a bit too ambitious to assign so many references to Baum’s writing. That, especially when none were confirmed by the author himself. Let your children just enjoy the book!!