Analysis Of The Populist Agenda In The Wizard Of Oz By L. Frank Baum

The Wizard of Oz children’s author L. Frank Baum helps reflect the populist agenda throughout the actions and personalities of the characters. Baum gives images during the turn of the United States dealing with political and economical issues during a specific time in history. Baum work helps give imagery of the populist agenda by providing the characters, symbols, and themes. Dorothy is the center of the whole image or issue. Dorothy is an orphan living with her Aunt and Uncle on a farm in Kansas. She keeps everything balanced in a sense of society belief. . Dorothy is the center of this whole drama. She is the only human in the environment that isn’t gray because her dog Toto keeps her in high spirits and keeps her happy. Toto is also a …show more content…
The Cowardly Lion is a contradiction to populist agenda or popular belief because he himself lacks the courage needed to fulfil his roles as a King in his natural society. A Lion is portrayed as strong and maybe could come off as a human being fearful. However, at the same time The Cowardly Lion is very humble and nice at the same time. The public sees him and suddenly becomes scared of fearful while the lion is indeed a coward. He in society is portrayed as a roarer, somebody that has an image of what they once were or hope to be but in contrast lack the actual ability. The Deadly Poppy Field where the Cowardly Lion fell asleep and caused him to no longer continue to move forward represented the anti-imperialism which caused Bryan to forget the primary issue which was silver. The examples and character used to show that there is still humor and a story and theme behind all of …show more content…
He was actually turned into Tin and he became a rusty solid which is why he needed oil. He represents the industry because it is emotionless and needs “oil” to survive and move forward. Also Buam represents the Quadlings, which were the socialist and communist in the southern areas persuading to wear only red and live in southern states. Next, The Scarecrow doesn’t have a brain and he represents the western farmers because they are usually seen as idiots. The Scarecrow doesn 't have any bones in his body and is just a image of what we would call weak. This was seen like the Farmers they were very week and all they knew was life on a farm. The scarecrow is also a man of irony because he doesn’t have a brain or conscience but always comes up with solutions to problems. He’s the first person Dorothy and is easily convinced to go on the journey to Emerald