Topics for Further Study
Reflect on Baum's decision to create a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion as characters seeking a brain, a heart, and courage, respectively. Reimagine these characters with different creatures or individuals while keeping their desires unchanged. Develop a character sketch for each new character, including their background and eventual outcome.
Watch the classic 1939 film adaptation of the novel, starring Judy Garland. Write a movie review where you argue whether Baum would have approved of this adaptation or not. Consider the differences between the film and the novel and envision Baum's potential reactions. Provide a detailed analysis with specific examples.
Search your library or the internet for W. W. Denslow's original illustrations that accompanied The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Why do critics place so much importance on these illustrations? Do you think they possess artistic merit? Can you understand why they appealed to children in 1900? Do they still have the same appeal today? Write a letter to an imaginary publisher, arguing for or against including these illustrations in a forthcoming edition of the novel.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has been interpreted in various ways. Scholars from different fields such as politics, feminism, and psychology have analyzed the novel. Select a unique perspective from which you can partially interpret the events or characters of the novel. You might choose a specific discipline (like economics, technology, or history) or an ideology or philosophy (such as democracy, a particular religion, or environmentalism). It is not necessary to make every aspect of the novel fit, but try to develop a new interpretation of certain elements of the story.
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