America’s Gilded Age
L. Frank Baum’s original story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (1900) is set in the heart of America’s “Gilded Age” (1870-1910). The Industrial Revolution had given rise to a new wealthy class of people with names like Vanderbilt, Morgan, Ford, Carnegie, and Rockefeller. Massive fortunes were made very quickly and spent on lavish lifestyles.
Symbolism in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Mr. Baum’s story about a little girl and her friends is more than just a charming fairytale. Many see it as an allegory of American life in the late 19th century. Consider the following:
Dorothy: This innocent little girl is pulled out of her mundane Kansas farm life. She represents average Americans, just trying to get by in life. She is kind, hard-working, uncomplaining, brave, and determined. She puts most of us modern day Americans to shame.
The Scarecrow: This fellow symbolizes the struggling farmers of the Midwest who were looked down upon by the more educated Easterners. He is a real country bumpkin. In the book, he describes himself as brainless, but throughout the book he demonstrates common sense and cleverness as he helps Dorothy along the way. The Scarecrow embodies the resilience and resourcefulness of the American farmer.
The Tin Woodman: The man of tin represents mistreated factory workers who are victims of the Industrial Revolution. He is neglected and has been left to rust with no one to care for him. As American industry treats workers as soulless automatons, so the Tin Woodman declares he has no heart. However, in the story, we see him as even more tender-hearted than Dorothy, worried that he might step on a bug.
The Cowardly Lion: The Lion represents politicians who roar boldly and bravely but are as timid as mice. They strut about trying to impress others with their power but are, in reality, ineffectual and disappointing. Under Dorothy’s influence, even this hopeless coward begins to show signs of true courage.
The Gilded Age in Oz: A Reflection of American Society
Baum’s story is a mirror held up to the Gilded Age, reflecting the stark contrasts and inequalities that plagued American society in the late 1890s.
The Emerald City’s opulence starkly contrasts the humble existence of the Munchkins, and Dorothy herself. It is a moving commentary on the widening gap between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses.
The triumph of the American Spirit.
Through his charming characters, Mr. Baum develops a delightful story that exposes some of the flaws of American society. More importantly, the book is about the triumph of the American Spirit over adversity. This is not a story about a pathetic little girl wallowing in her own despair waiting for someone to help her. Dorothy faces her problems head on and overcomes them through grit and determination, all the while maintaining her kindly, humble nature.
