In The Wizard of Oz, power is a slippery concept. Sometimes characters find power in unexpected places, like a field mouse or a pair of fancy shoes. Other times it is missing in places they expect it to be, like with the wizard.
There are two things to note here. First of all, knowledge is power. The wizard knows that people think he's powerful, and he leverages that knowledge to get what he wants. Similarly, the Wicked Witch of the West knows that Dorothy fears her—a piece of information that gives her the upper hand, at least for a while.
At the same time, power is power. For a long time, Dorothy doesn't realize her own potential. But since others see it in her, she benefits from it anyway. Similarly, her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion don't recognize their own strength. But despite those insecurities, those resources help them pull through all sorts of dicey situations.
Questions About Power
- Who is the most powerful character? Explain your answer.
- Do you think the power dynamics in Oz are comparable to those in our world? Why or why not?
- The wizard lies about his abilities to gain power. But is his power real? Explain your answer.
Chew on This
In Oz, power dynamics are complicated. It doesn't necessarily matter if you have it or not—under the right circumstances, you can be in charge.
In Oz, only the pure of heart hold on to power. People who abuse it, like the wizard and the wicked witches, are deposed.