Student Question
How does trust among characters become a theme in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
Quick answer:
Trust is a central theme as Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman must rely on each other's strengths to overcome challenges. Initially feeling isolated, Dorothy quickly forms bonds with her companions, who also experience loneliness and adversity. Together, they demonstrate that trust and friendship allow them to face obstacles that would be insurmountable alone, highlighting the importance of mutual reliance and support.
Trust among friends and friendship in general are huge themes in The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The sense of isolation and loneliness that Dorothy
feels when she first starts out on her quest may not be externally apparent,
but it is apparent in how readily able she is to make friends—friends who, in
their own individual ways, are feeling a sense of isolation and insurmountable
adversity akin to Dorothy's own.
Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman each have certain
strengths and weaknesses, and it is only by placing trust in one another, both
to shine in situations where they are strong and to protect each other where
they are weak, that they are able to easily overcome obstacles that would be
impossible without trust and friendship.
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