Abstract
This paper is the result of a qualitative research that follows an animal-based interpretative theory. It sheds the light on the use and symbolism of animal characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz written by L. Frank Baum and published in 1900. It seems to be a modern fairy tale with an American setting and charming fantasy characters. It is an immensely popular text among children and adults, so it is considered a classic of children's literature. It also attempts to answer why and how Baum used animals; whether for their qualities or for the sake of creating characters opposite to their symbolism. Therefore, the role and function of animal characters are extensively discussed. The findings show how L. Frank Baum presents a distinguished world from a non-human perspective and at the same time he teaches morality, religion, and accepting diversity in nature in an exciting narrative full of adventures. These animal characters can serve as a symbolic role models for young readers.
Highlights
When The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first published, it caught the readers’ and the critics’ attention alike
This paper studies the animal characters in relation to their use and symbolism
The paper is a qualitative research about the use and symbolism of animals in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Summary
When The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first published, it caught the readers’ and the critics’ attention alike. According to the New York Times, the story’s comic sense and philosophy are the reasons behind making children enjoy the story. Patric Hearn believes that "The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion have entered the collective consciousness of childhood" (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, 2020), he compared Baum to Twain and Dicken’s rare talent of creating unforgettable characters. Though most of the characters are not humans, the way Baum created them for questing human attributes is unique. Philip Jose Farmer remarks that “all the characters possessed the qualities which they desired yet they did not realize it, they are “the stuff of which classics are made" (Ibid). James Thurber stated that Baum took the experiment of making unrealistic animals to see if he could make animated creatures look real (Ibid). Farmer explained the role of fantasy, which leads to escaping from adulthood into childhood again
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