The True Villain In Dorothy's Wizard Of Oz

Kel Haltiwanger March 13, 2024 Dr. Renee Love English 102 The True Villain of the Wizard of Oz In the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy has long been considered to be the hero of the land, embarking on a journey to find her way home while helping newfound friends along the way. However, upon further analysis, it can be understood that Dorothy caused more problems in the land of Oz than she truly resolved. According to Christopher Reeve, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” In a sense, Dorothy follows this path, but from a different perspective, so does the Wicked Witch of the West, as she merely tries to avenge her dead sister. In fact, Dorothy can be interpreted as the true villain of the narrative, creating the

While this may seem accidental, one could argue that Dorothy's reckless behavior of running away from home, symbolized by her tornado-induced arrival, is the cause of the witch's death. Instead of taking responsibility for her actions, Dorothy quickly aligns herself with the Good Witch of the North. She steals the deceased witch's magical shoes without asking her sister or considering the consequences of her actions. Dorothy's pursuit of her own wishes takes priority over the well-being of others. Throughout her journey, she is determined to return home to Kansas, ignoring the needs and problems of the others she met along the way. For instance, when Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, she influences them into joining her journey by promising to help them get what they want once they reach the Wizard. However, Dorothy's true intentions are entirely selfish, as she views them merely as ways to help her get to Emerald City, not to help them. Additionally, Dorothy's interactions with the Wizard show her true selfish