Populism and The Wizard of Oz
"The Wizard of Oz" is a children's novel that was written by Frank L Baum and was published in
1900. The story follows the journey of Dorthy and Toto through the land of Oz, a magical world
that Dorthy is brought to by a Tornado. As Dorthy makes her way through the land of Oz she is
faced with numerous obstacles as she tries to reach the Mythical Wizard who holds the key to
return her to her home in Kansas. While to many this is simply a children's story with vibrant
characters and scenery but to some it is an Allegory for the rise and fall of the Populist Party
during the turn of the century.
Directions: Using the article that we have read in class, identify who each of the Wizard of Oz
Characters represent in regards to the Populist Party. Then answer the four questions at the
bottom.
1. Land of Oz -
2. Dorthy -
3. Scarecrow -
4.
Tin Man -
5. Yellow Brick Road
6. Ruby Slippers - (What was their original Color and what is the significance) -
Cowardly Lion -
7.
8.
Toto -
9. The Wizard of Oz -
10. Wicked Witch of the East
11. Wicked Witch of the West
12. The Little People
13. Emerald City -
14. What was the goal of the Populist Party? Why were they established?
15. What is the Populist Dream that is realized at the end of the book but is never realized in
real life?
16. What happens to Dorthy's Shoes at the end of the book and what does it represent?
17. What happened to the Populist Party in the end? Did they succeed?
