Theatrical Adaptation

Meditation 1

Throughout The Wizard of Oz film, camaraderie between the four main characters is a major factor in the plot. I found it curious that during the course of the novel, L. Frank Baum did not emphasize the importance of alliance and teamwork. The film seemed to continually repeat how staying together and working toward a common goal, as a group, was the key to success. In the novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, it struck me as odd how the main characters only seemed slightly bothered by abandoning a struggling friend during their time of need.

In chapter 8, The Deadly Poppy Field, the group attempts to cross the broad river and the Scarecrow becomes trapped mid-stream on a stick. Once the rest of the group reaches the shore safely, “they all looked at the river and saw the Scarecrow perched upon his pole in the middle of the water looking lonely and sad, they sat down upon the bank and gazed wistfully at the Scarecrow.” (Baum 136) Another instance occurs in the Deadly Poppy Field chapter when the Lion falls under the power of the poppies. “The flowers had been too strong for the huge beast and he had given up, at last, and fallen only a short distance from the end of the poppy bed. ‘We can do nothing for him,’ said the Tin Woodman, sadly; for he is much too heavy to lift. We must leave him here to sleep on forever, and perhaps he will dream that he has found courage at last.’” (Baum 143) Of course after both preceding instances, a random character interjected to save the day, but the characters did not seek out assistance for their ailing comrade.

However, in chapter 13, entitled “The Rescue,” after the Lion and Dorothy have defeated the Wicked Witch, they set out to save their friends. “‘Don’t you suppose we could rescue them?’ asked the girl, anxiously. ‘We can try,’ answered the Lion.” (Baum 232) They called upon the Yellow Winkies for help in rescuing their friends. From what I gather, it seems at the end Dorothy and the Lion realize how important teamwork and friendship are and how no one can be left behind, no matter the cost. It also shows the growth of the characters, maturity wise, of lessons learned. Because in reality, each character helped the others reach their goals. Without the Tin Woodman, they could never have survived the swarm of bees that the Wicked Witch ordered and had the Scarecrow not joined Dorothy, they would all have been torn to shreds by the crows. The Cowardly Lion frightened away the Winkies who were also commanded by the Witch to destroy them all. And finally without Dorothy, none of the group would have discovered what they thought they were lacking at the beginning of the journey.

posted by Taylor @ 11:19 PM