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Chapter 17: How the Balloon was Launched
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
Dorothy is heartbroken to have missed her chance to make it home again, and the next morning, the four friends discuss what can be done. The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion are each satisfied with their lot, but they still care for Dorothy and want to see her happy. The Scarecrow wonders if Dorothy can ask the winged monkeys to fly her over the desert, but upon summoning them a second time, Dorothy learns from the Monkey King that the monkeys cannot leave Oz nor cross the desert. The Scarecrow then asks the green-clad soldier how Dorothy might cross the desert. The soldier is unsure, but figures that Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, might know. He mentions that the journey to the south is treacherous, but that Glinda is sure to be helpful. All three of Dorothy’s friends resolve to travel to the south with her.
Even after countless disappointments and setbacks, Dorothy still refuses to entertain the idea that she might never return home. Her motivations have remained constant throughout her adventure, and in this moment, all her close friends support her determination. While Dorothy’s friends have finally achieved what they’ve always wanted, they still aren’t happy unless Dorothy is happy. This speaks to the strength of their friendship, which has grown and flourished during their long and harrowing journey together. One last time, the four characters unite to become something greater than the sum of their parts. Dorothy’s friendship with Toto might have caused her to miss the balloon launch, but now her friendship with the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion holds more promise than ever.
Themes
Literary Devices
Quiz
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