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Questions and Answers
What does the 'Emerald City' symbolize in the film?
What does the 'Emerald City' symbolize in the film?
Which character best represents the common worker in the film?
Which character best represents the common worker in the film?
What is a significant aspect of Dorothy's journey?
What is a significant aspect of Dorothy's journey?
How does the film portray the concept of government through the Wizard?
How does the film portray the concept of government through the Wizard?
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What does the film suggest about reliance on personal effort during economic hardship?
What does the film suggest about reliance on personal effort during economic hardship?
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Which character symbolizes marginalized skills in the film?
Which character symbolizes marginalized skills in the film?
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What underlying theme is presented through the film's portrayal of a romanticized agrarian past?
What underlying theme is presented through the film's portrayal of a romanticized agrarian past?
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How does the film address social and political pressures on citizens?
How does the film address social and political pressures on citizens?
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What role does the Cowardly Lion play in the social and political commentary of the film?
What role does the Cowardly Lion play in the social and political commentary of the film?
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What does the journey toward a better life reflect in the context of the film?
What does the journey toward a better life reflect in the context of the film?
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Study Notes
Economic Themes
- The film subtly critiques the economic hardship faced by many during the Great Depression. The characters' struggles with poverty, unemployment, and financial insecurity are poignant examples. The journey toward a better life reflects the American desire for economic stability and opportunity.
- The "Emerald City" can be interpreted as a symbol of false promises related to economic prosperity. The allure of the city, representing a utopian economic solution, ultimately turns out to be a mirage.
- The characters' reliance on their own resources and efforts to overcome adversity mirrors the self-reliance and resilience required during the Depression. The Wizard represents both the false hope and the real potential for human ingenuity.
- The film's nostalgic portrayal of a romanticized agrarian past contrasts with the industrial realities of the time. The characters' escape from a harsh economic environment to a vision of stability suggests a complex yearning for a simpler time.
Political Commentary
- "The Wizard of Oz" provides a political allegory related to the anxieties of the time about corruption and ineffective leadership. The Wizard, lacking true power, represents the perceived distance and detachment of the government. This symbolic portrayal could be seen as criticism of perceived political ineptitude or manipulation influencing the public.
- The story embodies a critique of the social and political structures, especially in relation to the disparity between the wealthy and the poor. The Scarecrow representing the common worker, the Tin Man representing marginalized skills, and the Cowardly Lion representing the vulnerable voice, together represent the population that felt overlooked and underrepresented by the political discourse.
- The film's portrayal of Dorothy, an innocent person, travelling to a strange land, challenges the political status quo and symbolizes the vulnerability and lack of agency of many Americans during challenging times. She represents the average person who has little to no political power and is thrust into a difficult situation.
- The oppressive forces within the realm represent the social and political pressures on citizens to conform and surrender to those in authority, albeit with dishonest intentions. It subtly critiques the systems that lead to the sense of helplessness and subservience.
- The Scarecrow's desire for a brain, the Tin Man's desire for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion's desire for courage embody the human need for wisdom, empathy, and strength. These themes carry political undertones through their implications for the collective and individual needs during a time of economic and political uncertainty. The film subtly implies that society needs to address these collective human needs to truly thrive.
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Description
This quiz explores the economic themes presented in the film, particularly during the Great Depression. It delves into the portrayal of poverty, false promises of prosperity, and the characters' resilience in the face of adversity. Analyze how these elements reflect broader societal issues and the quest for stability.
