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Buddhism In L. Frank Baum's The Wizard Of Oz

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Buddhism consists of a belief in peace, unity, respect, and self-discovery through humility and honesty. Following these ideals creates a more knowledgeable and aware individual and society. L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz reflects on these themes of Buddhism through the use of allegorical settings to create a story about a young girl trying to find her way home. After deciding to run away because of the evil neighbour Mrs. Gilch, Dorothy is caught in a tornado, thrown around, and wakes up to find herself in a foreign land. After realizing she “isn’t in Kansas anymore”, she and her little dog Toto meet Glinda. Glinda is a kind, sweet, caring, and compassionate Witch...unlike the Wicked Witch of the West who tries her best to make Dorothy’s journey very difficult. Glinda the Good Witch of the North is there to help Dorothy on her journey back home. Despite just having met her, Dorothy recognizes this kindness and takes her advice to travel to Emerald City, the Land of Oz. Oz, the powerful wizard is said to grant people's wishes; Dorothy’s being getting back to Kansas to her Auntie Em and Uncle. On her way to the powerful Wizard of Oz, she runs into three unique characters: the …show more content…

As for her demons in her life, Dorothy faces her fears of “lions and tigers and bears oh my!” These horrors to Dorothy represent her inner struggles that she is trying to overcome. In addition to these animals, Dorothy’s other evils are the Wicked Witch and the flying monkeys. More specifically, the Wicked Witch represents Mrs. Gilch, the evil woman who tries to take Toto away. Just as the witch says, “I’ll get you and your little dog, too!” Although Dorothy is afraid, she persists despite her fears. Dorothy is able to take care of her fear by throwing water on the Wicked Witch, causing her to melt. This illustrates Dorothy cleansing herself of these demons and overcoming them to reach her

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