The Wizard of Oz

THEMES

• Adventure

  Dorothy embarks on a magical journey through Oz.
• Belonging

  Dorothy longs for a place where she truly belongs.
• Bravery

  The characters must find their courage to overcome obstacles.
• Coming of age

  Dorothy matures through her experiences in Oz.
• Companionship

  Dorothy and her friends support each other on their journey.
• Courage

  The Cowardly Lion seeks to find his courage.
• Darkness and light

  The film contrasts good (Glinda) and evil (Wicked Witch).
• Destiny

  Dorothy’s journey seems fated, leading her to self-discovery.
• Dreams

  Oz represents a dream-like fantasy world.
• Empowerment

  Dorothy learns she had the power to return home all along.
• Family

  Dorothy realizes the importance of her family back home.
• Fear

  The characters must face their fears to achieve their goals.
• Friendship

  The bond between Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion is central.
• Good vs evil

  Glinda and the Wicked Witch represent opposing forces of morality.
• Heroism

  Dorothy becomes a hero by helping her friends and defeating the witch.
• Home

  Dorothy’s desire to return home is the driving force of the story.
• Identity

  Dorothy and her friends discover their true strengths.
• Imagination

  Oz is a fantastical world full of creative wonders.
• Individuality

  Each character learns to embrace their unique qualities.
• Journey

  The road to the Emerald City represents a path to self-discovery.
• Kindness

  Dorothy’s kindness earns her loyal friends and allies.
• Knowledge

  The Scarecrow seeks intelligence, but proves he is already wise.
• Love

  Dorothy’s love for her family motivates her throughout the film.
• Magic

  The world of Oz is filled with magical beings and objects.
• Morality

  The story teaches moral lessons about courage, love, and wisdom.
• Perseverance

  The group overcomes obstacles to reach the Emerald City.
• Power

  The Wizard appears powerful but is ultimately revealed as ordinary.
• Reality

  Dorothy wakes up to realize her adventure was just a dream.
• Rebellion

  Dorothy defies the Wicked Witch to free herself and her friends.
• Self-awareness

  Each character realizes they already possess what they were seeking.
• Survival

  Dorothy must navigate Oz and escape its dangers.
• Truth

  The Wizard is revealed to be a fraud, showing the power of truth.
• Wisdom

  The Scarecrow’s journey shows that wisdom comes from experience.