How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"…it is a long way to the Emerald City, and it will take you many days. The country here is rich and pleasant, but you must pass through rough and dangerous places before you reach the end of your journey."
This worried Dorothy a little, but she knew that only the great Oz could help her get to Kansas again, so she bravely resolved not to turn back. (3.27-28)
Who wouldn't worry when told that the road ahead will be rough and dangerous? Um…no one. Still, Dorothy pushes through her fear because she has her eye on the goal of returning home. Have you ever had to overcome your fear in order to achieve something important?
Quote #2
"[…] the walking grew so difficult that the Scarecrow often stumbled over the yellow bricks, which were here very uneven. Sometimes, indeed, they were broken or missing altogether, leaving holes that Toto jumped across and Dorothy walked around. As for the Scarecrow, having no brains, he walked straight ahead, and so stepped into the holes and fell at full length on the hard bricks. It never hurt him, however, and Dorothy would pick him up and set him upon his feet again, while he joined her in laughing merrily at his own mishap. (4.1)
These travelers are not going to let a few bumps in the road get them down. Literally. When the Scarecrow falls down—over and over and over again—Dorothy picks him up and they keep on walking. And they're not whining about their difficulties either. They're laughing! How would this story be different if the characters lamented every little problem they encountered? What effect does it have that they so often just shrug and move on?
Quote #3
"If this road goes in, it must come out," said the Scarecrow, "and as the Emerald City is at the other end of the road, we must go wherever it leads us." (4.29)
Part of what keeps the gang going is faith that they'll find their destination. And, of course, simple logic like this from the Scarecrow and the other characters. It's like one really long Nike ad: if there's a task to be done, it's best to just do it.