1. How do the main characters evolve throughout this novel? How do they change across the fourteen-book Oz series written by Baum?

2. How do talking animals and inanimate beings enhance the literary style of this novel? Would the story have been more compelling if Dorothy's companions were other humans?

3. How is color used to convey mood and tone in this book?

4. Can Dorothy be regarded as a pioneer? Why or why not?

5. Identify moments that foreshadow or hint at future plot developments or twists.

6. Are the characterizations based on stereotypes? Does this enhance or detract from the novel's style? Are Baum's portrayals of gender typical for that era?

7. Discuss whether nature, including plants, animals, landscapes, or weather, is more hostile or benign in this novel. Is nature more tolerable in Kansas or Oz? What effect do you believe Baum aimed to achieve?

8. Is the novel overly moralistic? Does it reflect other children's literature from the same period, or is it revolutionary in some aspect?

9. Identify mythological, religious, fairy tale, and folklore references in the novel. Do you think Baum intended to include them? What archetypes do the characters embody? Compare The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to fairy tales from other cultures.

10. What does the wizard's appearance to each character imply? Do you think the wizard selected the appropriate vision for each character?

11. Discuss the role of rescue in the novel. Who rescues whom, and how are they rewarded?