Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Wizard of Oz, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Self-Doubt vs. Self-Confidence
Home and Belonging
Good vs. Evil
Friendship
Summary
Analysis
Shortly after finding their way out of the forest, the travelers encounter a steep hill covered with large rocks. As they begin to climb it, they’re interrupted by strange and unpleasant creatures with no arms, flat heads, and wrinkly necks. They forbid the party from passing over their hill, and when the Scarecrow tries to cross them anyway, the creatures’ necks rapidly extend and their heads knock the Scarecrow back down the hill again. Try as they might, the party cannot get past the Hammerheads until Dorothy calls the winged monkeys one more time and orders them to carry the group high over the hill. With this last trial behind them, Dorothy and her friends have finally reached the southern Country of the Quadlings, which is pleasant and decorated in red. The group is permitted an audience with Glinda as soon as they arrive at her castle.
The Hammerheads represent one final obstacle that Dorothy and her friends must overcome to complete their adventure. While the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion have been the most frequent problem-solvers throughout the novel, Dorothy is the one who resolves this final challenge. Now that they’re safe in the Country of the Quadlings, getting Dorothy home seems more likely than ever. The consistent red colors of this country are one more reminder that everyone belongs somewhere. At long last, Dorothy might finally be going back to the gray country where she belongs.
Themes
