“The Wizard of Oz” (1939), directed by Victor Fleming, is a timeless fantasy film based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel . It follows Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl, as she is swept away to the magical land of Oz. Alongside her newfound friends, she embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard and return home, learning valuable life lessons along the way.
Movie Scene Device Example Dorothy’s arrival in Munchkinland Symbolism : Ruby slippers represent power and magicThe tornado sequence Metaphor : Tornado symbolizes chaos and change
Movie Scene Device Example Dorothy meeting the Scarecrow Allegory : Scarecrow represents wisdom without formal educationDorothy melting the Wicked Witch Irony : Water, a symbol of life, leads to the Witch’s demise
Movie Scene Device Example Dorothy’s interactions with Toto Foreshadowing : Toto exposes Miss Gulch’s true natureThe journey on the Yellow Brick Road Motif : Recurrent imagery of the Yellow Brick Road symbolizes the path to self-discovery
Movie Scene Device Example Dorothy’s departure from Kansas Juxtaposition : The contrast between Kansas (sepia tones) and Oz (vibrant colors)Meeting the Cowardly Lion Personification : Cowardly Lion represents human traits of fear and courage
Movie Scene Device Example The Wizard’s reveal Satire : The Wizard represents the illusion of authorityGlinda’s guidance to Dorothy Archetype : Glinda embodies the Good Witch archetype , representing benevolence and guidance
Movie Scene Device Example The Emerald City Imagery : Vivid descriptions of the Emerald City highlight the fantastical nature of OzThe Witch’s castle Atmosphere : Dark and foreboding setting to emphasize danger
Movie Scene Device Example The poppy field Allusion : Reference to poppies as symbols of sleep and dreams (Homer’s “Odyssey”)Dorothy’s final realization Epiphany : Dorothy realizes “There’s no place like home”
Movie Scene Device Example The Lollipop Guild’s welcome Hyperbole : Exaggerated portrayal of the Munchkins’ joyThe Wizard granting wishes Paradox : The Wizard grants what the characters already possess
Character Studies
Dorothy
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism Dorothy’s ruby slippers symbolize empowerment and the journey to self-discovery Epiphany Dorothy’s realization “There’s no place like home” signifies personal growth
The Scarecrow
Literary Device Explanation Allegory Represents wisdom and the notion that intelligence comes in many forms Irony Claims to lack a brain yet frequently demonstrates cleverness
The Tin Man
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism His desire for a heart symbolizes the importance of compassion Metaphor Represents industrialization devoid of humanity
The Cowardly Lion
Literary Device Explanation Personification Embodies human traits of fear and bravery Paradox Seeks courage despite consistently showing it
The Wicked Witch of the West
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism Represents evil and the obstacles Dorothy must overcome Irony Her demise by water, a symbol of life, underscores the irony of her weakness
Character Dynamics
Literary Device Explanation Foreshadowing Toto’s actions often reveal truths about other characters Juxtaposition The contrasting personalities of Dorothy’s companions highlight their unique strengths and weaknesses
Home and Identity
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism Ruby slippers symbolize the power to find one’s way home Epiphany Dorothy’s realization “There’s no place like home” emphasizes the theme
Courage and Self-Discovery
Literary Device Explanation Allegory Each companion’s journey represents different aspects of self-discovery Irony Characters already possess the traits they seek
Good vs. Evil
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism The Wicked Witch and Glinda represent the classic struggle between good and evil Atmosphere Dark, ominous settings highlight the presence of evil
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Color Contrast Kansas in sepia vs. Oz in Technicolor highlights the symbolic transition Atmosphere Lighting and Sound Dark, eerie music and shadows in the Witch’s castle enhance the ominous mood
Literary Device Technique Explanation Foreshadowing Visual Cues Toto’s actions often hint at upcoming events Metaphor Visual Effects The tornado’s chaotic imagery represents upheaval and change
Literary Device Technique Explanation Allegory Character Design Scarecrow’s appearance as a simple farm tool underscores his wisdom allegory Irony Dialogue Characters’ spoken desires contrast with their actual abilities
Literary Device Technique Explanation Epiphany Framing and Close-ups Close-ups on Dorothy during her realization moments emphasize their importance Paradox Character Interactions The Wizard’s granting wishes scene visually contrasts with the characters’ self-sufficiency
Scene Selection
Dorothy’s Arrival in Munchkinland
Link: Munchkinland Scene Breakdown: This scene introduces Dorothy to the magical world of Oz, using vibrant colors and whimsical characters to symbolize her transition from reality to fantasy .
Meeting the Scarecrow
Link: Meeting the Scarecrow Breakdown: This scene utilizes allegory and irony as Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, who claims to lack a brain but demonstrates wisdom, reflecting the theme of self-discovery.
The Wizard’s Reveal
Link: The Wizard’s Reveal Breakdown: This pivotal scene uses satire to critique the illusion of authority, with the Wizard’s true identity revealed as an ordinary man, undermining the façade of power.
Dorothy’s Epiphany
Link: Dorothy’s Epiphany Breakdown: Dorothy’s realization that “There’s no place like home” is a critical moment that uses epiphany to underscore the film’s central theme of home and identity.
To wrap up our deep dive into the literary devices in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), let’s test your understanding with a fun multiple-choice quiz! 🌟
Quiz:
What does the tornado in “The Wizard of Oz” symbolize?
a) Adventure
b) Chaos and change
c) Magic
d) Friendship
Which literary device is used when the Scarecrow demonstrates cleverness despite claiming to lack a brain?
What does the Wizard represent when his true identity is revealed?
a) Fear
b) Illusion of authority
c) Friendship
d) Courage
Dorothy’s realization “There’s no place like home” is an example of:
Which literary device is highlighted by the contrasting colors of Kansas and Oz?
(Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-c, 5-a)
