answersLogoWhite

0

The Wizard of Oz may be read as a book, and viewed as a film, on two levels. One is on the level of pure enjoyment. For author and Oz series originator Lyman Frank Baum [May 15, 1856-May 5, 1919] described his purpose, in the book's introduction, as writing an American fairy tale in honor, and for the continuation, of the joyful wonderment of children in all times and all places. And so on the one level the book, and the film, may be seen as good storytelling for the sake of good storytelling. On another level there are many interpretations that may be given to the book's, and the film's, underlying meaning, be that meaning deliberate or coincidental. One interpretation may be of the story as the passage from childhood to adulthood, from understanding and doing things as a child, to understanding and doing things as an adult. For Dorothy Gale must determine what kind of balance that she needs to reach between the extreme self-reliance, which may be an aim of adulthood; and the extreme dependency, which may be a hallmark of early childhood. In the process, she also must reconcile the halcyon attractions of dreams with the often harsh realities of the real world. And throughout all of her adventures, she must weigh the prospects of an exciting, unfamiliar lifestyle that may separate her forever from the less exciting, but tried and true life of family and longtime friends. The book and the film are good how-to's on the possibilities of living one's dreams, making new friends. surviving new adventures, trusting in oneself, and vanquishing enemies that won't be won over. It all comes down to knowing oneself, and moving as part of a team.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?