The Wizard of Oz Revisited: The Truth Beyond The Scarecrows Need for Brains
The Wizard of Oz Revisited: The Truth Beyond The Scarecrow's Need for Brains
Introduction
Have you ever watched the classic The Wizard of Oz and wondered why the Scarecrow, who always came up with solutions, needed a brain, while he seemed to be the smartest of them all?
Understanding the Characters
In The Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow, Lion, Tin Woodman, and Dorothy each desired a specific attribute: a brain, courage, a heart, and the return home. However, the movie cleverly reveals that they already possessed these qualities but didn't recognize them. Let's dive into the nuances of the film and understand the true meaning behind the quest for knowledge and self-discovery.
The Scarecrow
The Scarecrow's quest for a brain is often misunderstood. The Wizard of Oz explains to him that 'anybody can have a brain. It's a very mediocre commodity.' The Scarecrow, however, wasn't seeking a literal brain but rather the experience and wisdom that come with it. The Wizard's speech during the ceremony conveys this:
‘Back where I come from, we have universities seats of great learning where men can go to become great thinkers. When they come out, they think deep thoughts, and with no more brains than you have. But they have one thing you haven’t got. A diploma.’ – Wizard of Oz
The diploma signified more than just a piece of paper. It represented the recognition of his journey and the knowledge he had gained through experiences.
Dorothy and the Magic Shoes
Dorothy also had a hidden treasure: her magic shoes. The movie reveals that she could return home at any time by clicking her heels three times and saying 'There's no place like home.' However, it was her experience and determination that brought her closer to the end of her journey.
The Lion, the Tin Woodman, and Their Desires
Similarly, the Lion sought courage, and the Tin Woodman desired a heart. The Wizard's speech also addressed these characters:
‘Once a year they take their fortitude out of moth balls and parade it down the main street of the city, and they have no more courage than you have.’ – Wizard of Oz
‘Back where I come from, there are men who do nothing all day but do good deed. They are called philafdoodere-dooers, and their hearts are no bigger than yours.’ – Wizard of Oz
These speeches reveal that the characters already had the courage and a heart (or the ability to feel) but needed to recognize and acknowledge these qualities within themselves.
Learning through Experience
The journey of self-discovery in The Wizard of Oz is a metaphor for understanding our own capabilities. The characters in the story learned that experience and practical application are more valuable than just having knowledge theoretically. The Scarecrow, through his experiences, demonstrated that he understood the importance of solving problems and taking action.
For example, the Scarecrow showcased his intellect by commanding the trees and using logic and reasoning to protect Dorothy. His actions proved that he possessed the necessary intelligence to succeed, even without a literal diploma or degree. Similarly, the Lion's bravery and the Tin Woodman's ability to love and help others were already part of their nature, but the journey to Oz helped them recognize and embrace these qualities.
Conclusion
The Wizard of Oz is not merely a children's story but a profound allegory of self-discovery. The characters in the story learned to recognize and use their intrinsic abilities. This is a timeless lesson that resonates with individuals across generations, reminding us that sometimes the greatest knowledge lies within ourselves.