Populism In The Wizard Of Oz

575 Words3 Pages

Wizard of Oz, an American music comedy and fantasy film and a favorite piece of juvenile literature. Majority of American children liked it because of its content which was full of adventure fun and good stories. On the other hand, adults liked it since they were able to read about L. Frank lines and somehow see the images of the United States at the turn of the century. The book contained hidden meanings and allusion especially the Wizard of Oz: Parable on populism to the Gilded Age which is found in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In his writings, he mentions the wicked Witch from the east which meant the eastern industrialist’s and bankers who enjoyed the power of controlling the people who were referred to as the Munchkins. The scarecrow represented …show more content…

According to the view of Littlefield, Bram who was a reform-minded Democrat who joined hands in the support of William Jennings who happened to be Bryan’s pro-silver candidacy (McGrath, Michael. "The Histories of Populism."50-56). . In addition to that, there was a correspondence between populism and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz whereby Midwestern politics and culture which are in two paged Baum’s story implicitly pointed out that not all of pro-Byan silverites were populist. In addition to that, in his book Dorothy’s faithful dog represented a tee-totaling prohibitionist which was a very important part of silverite coalition. Baum’s masterpiece was popular, since it met perfectly the emotional and ethical needs of the people living in the new urban and industrialized societies. This exalted the magic and opulence of metropolis, the Emerald City, which constituted luxurious stores and prosperous homes which was a vivid illustration of the white City of Chicago which was Columbian exposition in 1893, Where Baum visited frequently. Furthermore, the book also represented Baum’s belief in spiritualist and theosophy which was an occultist quasi-religious front that was known in the 19th century. It emphasized on theosophy. Through positive thinking that Dorothy got what she needed. Hence the wonderful Wizard of Oz, an optimistic secular text that helped Americans feel comfortable and optimistic about their new industrial economy which also contributed for them to embrace it and enjoy