The Wizard of Oz: Setting and Characters

Who does Dorothy live with on the farm?

What does Toto notice that causes trouble?

What is Ms. Gulch known for in the town?

What happens when Dorothy tries to tell her relatives about Ms. Gulch?

What are the names of Dorothy's friends on the farm?

What heroic action does Zeke take to help Dorothy?

How does Dorothy feel about Hunk and Zeke?

What is the weather like on the day described in the story?

Why did Zeke hesitate to go near the pigs?

What was Aunt Em's reaction to Dorothy's concerns about Toto?

What did Dorothy do to comfort Toto?

Who insisted on speaking to Aunt Em and Uncle Henry?

What did the Sheriff agree to do about Toto?

How did Dorothy react to the news about Toto from Aunt Em and Uncle Henry?

What did Ms. Gulch do with Toto after her confrontation?

What caused the commotion that worried Dorothy?

Setting and Characters

Dorothy Gale lives in a small Kansas town on a farm with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry.
The story takes place during a windy spring day, depicting a lively countryside atmosphere.
Toto, Dorothy's loyal dog, plays a significant role in the unfolding events.

Conflict Introduction

Ms. Gulch is introduced as the meanest woman in town, antagonizing Dorothy and Toto.
After a confrontation where Toto is yelled at, Dorothy defends him but struggles to gain her aunt and uncle's support regarding Ms. Gulch's threats.

Relationships and Support

Dorothy has three supportive friends on the farm: Hunk, Zeke, and a third unnamed farmhand, who are willing to listen to her troubles.
The bond among Dorothy and the farmhands is characterized by kindness, shared laughter, and a sense of camaraderie.

Key Events

A comedic moment occurs when Zeke heroically dives into the pig pen to save Dorothy after she slips, highlighting the playful interactions on the farm.
Aunt Em is preoccupied with farm duties, dismissing Dorothy's concerns about Ms. Gulch's threat toward Toto.

Emotional Journey

Dorothy talks to Toto as if he could provide advice, revealing her feelings of isolation and longing for understanding.
A sense of impending trouble grows as Ms. Gulch insists on speaking to Aunt Em and Uncle Henry.

Climax and Resolution

Ms. Gulch threatens to have Toto killed, prompting Dorothy to urgently plead her case to Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, but they remain uninformed and nonresponsive.
Overwhelmed with emotions, Dorothy retreats to her room, ultimately defeated and feeling unprotected.
The chapter closes with Ms. Gulch leaving with Toto in a basket on her bike, escalating the tension for future events.

Explore the setting and relationships in the opening of 'The Wizard of Oz.' Learn about Dorothy Gale's life on the farm, her interactions with Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and the farmhands. Discover the conflict introduced by Ms. Gulch and how Dorothy navigates her challenges with the support of her friends.