As a young girl, it was almost a tradition; at 6 PM on Christmas Eve, you could count on this film being on TV. As I grew older, my late mum always made sure I had a copy of the movie: first on VHS, then DVD, and finally Blu-ray.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ remains a timeless tale that resonates across generations. When reflecting on this classic story, it’s not just the journey through Oz that captivates audiences, but the deep themes embedded within that make it enduringly relevant. L. Frank Baum’s narrative and its 1939 cinematic adaptation provide a lens through which we can explore identity, courage, friendship, and the search for home.
The Search for Home: More Than a Destination
At its heart, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is about Dorothy Gale’s quest to return home to Kansas. Home, for Dorothy, isn’t a physical location alone, but also a symbol. One of safety, comfort, and belonging. This journey reflects a universal human experience — the desire to return to a place where we feel secure and understood. For many, “home” represents not just a place, but a state of mind, a feeling of completeness.
What makes this quest particularly powerful is how Dorothy’s perception of home evolves throughout her adventure. In the beginning, she’s eager to escape the monotony of Kansas. Yet, as she travels through Oz, she realises that while it’s a magical and exciting place, it lacks the emotional grounding she longs for. The famous line, “There’s no place like home,” encapsulates this shift. It’s a realization that home, despite its imperfections, holds unparalleled value. It’s a reminder that what we seek externally is often already within us or in our grasp.
The Power of Friendship
Dorothy’s journey is not one she undertakes alone. She encounters the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion — each searching for something they believe they lack. What makes their friendship so profound is that these characters don’t find what they’re looking for through external means; they discover it within themselves, thanks to the support and belief of their companions.
The Scarecrow thinks he needs a brain, yet he consistently demonstrates wisdom and resourcefulness. The Tin Man seeks a heart, but his emotional depth is evident throughout. The Cowardly Lion is on a quest for courage, though he regularly displays bravery in the face of danger. These characters illustrate how we often underestimate our own capabilities, needing others to help us see our true potential.
This theme of friendship and self-realization resonates with readers and viewers because it mirrors real life. We often rely on the people we care about to guide us through our doubts, and in turn, we help them uncover their own strengths. The message is clear: we already possess the qualities we seek; sometimes, we just need a little help recognising them.
The Illusion of Power
One of the most striking elements of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the titular wizard himself. Dorothy and her companions believe that the Wizard holds the power to solve all their problems. However, when they finally meet him, they discover he’s not a powerful sorcerer, but an ordinary man hiding behind a facade. His magic is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
This revelation serves as a powerful metaphor for the illusions of power and authority that exist in our world. Many people and institutions present themselves as omnipotent or infallible, only for us to later discover their limitations. The Wizard’s unmasking is a reminder that true power often lies not in external figures, but within ourselves. The Wizard doesn’t give the Scarecrow, Tin Man, or Lion what they seek — he simply helps them realise that they already possess those traits.
The film’s famous quote, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,” has become a cultural touchstone, symbolising the way illusions of grandeur and control can be shattered when we look beyond appearances. It encourages skepticism of perceived authority and reminds us to question the systems and figures that claim to wield power over us.
The Role of Female Empowerment
In a story written over a century ago, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ presents strong female characters that stand out against the traditional gender norms of its time. Dorothy is the driving force of the narrative, not a passive participant. Her bravery, kindness, and determination make her a character who doesn’t wait for rescue — she actively seeks solutions to her problems. In a sense, Dorothy’s journey is one of self-empowerment. She faces challenges, seeks help when needed, but ultimately trusts her own instincts and abilities.
Then there’s the contrast between Glinda, the Good Witch, and the Wicked Witch of the West. These characters reflect the duality of female archetypes in storytelling — the nurturing protector versus the powerful antagonist. Yet, neither is entirely one-dimensional. The Wicked Witch, for instance, is driven by a personal vendetta rather than sheer malice, making her a more complex villain than many others in fairy tales. This interplay of female roles, especially for the time, shows that women in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ are agents of change, driving the story forward and influencing its outcome.
A Story of Courage and Growth
The journey through Oz is ultimately a journey of personal growth. Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion all evolve through their experiences, learning that they are more than they initially believed. Dorothy’s courage, in particular, stands out. She navigates a strange and often frightening world with the hope of finding her way back home. Despite the uncertainty she faces, she never gives up, demonstrating a resilience that has inspired generations.
In many ways, Dorothy’s journey mirrors the challenges of growing up. She is thrust into a world of unfamiliar rules and dangers, much like the transition from childhood to adulthood. Her growth throughout the story — from a naïve girl wanting to escape her troubles to a mature young woman who values what she has — reflects the coming-of-age experience that many readers and viewers identify with.
What has `The Wizard of Oz` given me and my life?
As I sit here reflecting on this existential question, I realise how deeply it has woven itself into my life, gifting me countless cherished memories—moments spent watching it with my mum, and occasionally my nan. I still smile at the thought of my mum buying me the movie, even when I was well into my 40s! Beyond nostalgia, this film has become a lens for self-reflection. It urges me to recognise the quiet confidence I often overlook in myself. Dorothy’s journey continually reinforces just how vital and empowering confidence can be. It has also reshaped how I view friendships, encouraging me to reassess those that feel one-sided while nurturing the lasting, meaningful connections.
The Lasting Legacy
The 85 year old legacy of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ lies not just in its memorable characters and magical world, but in its themes that continue to resonate. Whether it’s the longing for home, the discovery of self-worth, or the realization that power is often an illusion, the story speaks to universal human experiences. Its lasting appeal is rooted in its ability to offer something for everyone — children, adults, and everyone in between can find meaning in Dorothy’s journey.
Perhaps this is why this film remains so deeply ingrained in popular culture and the lives of many, myself included. Its iconic moments — from the yellow brick road to the ruby slippers — are timeless. The story encourages us to look beyond the surface, to question the illusions we’re presented with, and to trust in our own abilities. In the end, it’s a reminder that, like Dorothy, we often have the power to change our own lives. We just need the courage to see it.
