The Wizard of Oz: Chapter 3: How Dorothy Saved the Scarecrow Summary & Analysis

Dorothy washes up, gathers a breakfast for herself, and prepares for her journey. She changes into a blue and white checkered dress and decides to wear the silver slippers, as they seem unlikely to wear out. Dorothy and Toto set off on the road of yellow brick which, according to the Witch of the North, eventually leads to the Emerald City. Despite her desire to get home, Dorothy enjoys her walk through this colorful and pleasant country. She passes farmland and plenty of strange little blue houses, as blue seems to be the favored color in the land of the East. She spends a night at the home of a wealthy and friendly Munchkin named Boq, who considers Dorothy to be a good witch and appreciates her blue clothing.

On the next day of her journey, Dorothy rests on a fence by the road as it passes by a large cornfield. As she stares curiously at a Scarecrow in blue clothing, she suddenly sees it wink at her. She wanders over to it and discovers that it can speak as well. The two of them introduce themselves, and the Scarecrow tells Dorothy that he’ll be very grateful if she could take him down from the pole he’s affixed to. Dorothy does as he asks, and the Scarecrow delights in moving around freely. He soon explains to Dorothy that he’s ashamed of having straw instead of brains in his head. Dorothy explains that she’s on her way to see the Wizard of Oz, who might be able to give the Scarecrow a brain as well as send Dorothy home. They resolve to continue the journey together.