Dec 27, 2009

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz | Social Sensitivity

Although Baum did not intend to moralize or preach to his readers, many social messages are presented in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. As the novel's heroine, Dorothy is a role model. She is a loving niece who cares about her aunt's and uncle's welfare and worries about how her absence has affected them. Dorothy has manners and is courteous most of the time, losing her temper when stressed or maligned. She cares for her dog Toto and treats him humanely. At times, Dorothy can be self-centered, but she seems mature for a child her age.

Dorothy and her companions exemplify...