At last, I've finished the first book.
Though I read the sequels many times, I didn't reread the first book because it is the most famous and I thought I knew the story very well. I've learned that I had many delusions. Was I remembering the movie instead of the book?
Dorothy, I thought, was cheerful ,positive and active, however she is actually rather passive. She drifts as she goes instead of carving her own destiny.
I was surprised that the Wicked Witch of the West was weaker than I remembered. I knew she was scared of water, of course. I didn't remember that she was also scared of darkness. Well, that is the most inconvenient weakness for witches, isn't it?
Showing posts with label The Wizard of Oz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Wizard of Oz. Show all posts
Nov 15, 2010
Chapter24:Home Again
I came to the last chapter at last!:) Aunt Em hugged Dorothy, and the story ended happily.
Dorothy's famous ending phrase was "Oh, Aunt Em! I'm so glad to be at home again!" in this book. In the movie, it was "There is no place like home!" They have same meanings but the words themselves are different.
It didn't mention at all whether Aunt Em believed Dorothy's words that she was in Oz. In the movie "Return to Oz", Dorothy was sent to the asylum because Aunt Em and Uncle Henry didn't believe her story. How about it in the original story? Well, we'll be able to see it in the later books.
Dorothy's famous ending phrase was "Oh, Aunt Em! I'm so glad to be at home again!" in this book. In the movie, it was "There is no place like home!" They have same meanings but the words themselves are different.
It didn't mention at all whether Aunt Em believed Dorothy's words that she was in Oz. In the movie "Return to Oz", Dorothy was sent to the asylum because Aunt Em and Uncle Henry didn't believe her story. How about it in the original story? Well, we'll be able to see it in the later books.
Chapter23 Glinda Grants Dorothy's Wish
Finally, Glinda appeared. Many princesses apprear in Oz but Glinda is just a good witch. Princess Glinda would have been great, though, she has authority not because she is from a royal family but because she has excellent magic skills and inner beauty, I think...that's important...isn't it?
In later books, she is called "Glinda, the Good Sorceress." So, I thought a white magic user was a sorceress and a black magic user was a witch. But I was wrong. In this book, Glinda is called the Good Witch.
Even the good witch told Dorothy that she had to give the witch the golden cap in return for getting an answer about how to go back to Kansas. Everybody says "give and take." Of course, Glinda doesn't use the cap only for herself, though.
Dorothy easily accepted the words from her companions in turn; "If I hadn't met you, our wishes couldn't have come true." Then, she said "This is all true." I think this part is very American. If she is a Japanese, she would say like "No, not at all. You did it by yourselves. You helped me."
In the end, they said a teary farewell each other, then, Dorothy went back to Kansas. Of course, with Toto.
In later books, she is called "Glinda, the Good Sorceress." So, I thought a white magic user was a sorceress and a black magic user was a witch. But I was wrong. In this book, Glinda is called the Good Witch.
Even the good witch told Dorothy that she had to give the witch the golden cap in return for getting an answer about how to go back to Kansas. Everybody says "give and take." Of course, Glinda doesn't use the cap only for herself, though.
Dorothy easily accepted the words from her companions in turn; "If I hadn't met you, our wishes couldn't have come true." Then, she said "This is all true." I think this part is very American. If she is a Japanese, she would say like "No, not at all. You did it by yourselves. You helped me."
In the end, they said a teary farewell each other, then, Dorothy went back to Kansas. Of course, with Toto.
Chapter22 The Counrty of Quadlings
They at last arrive in Quadling Country, despite running into some trouble with the Hammerheads.
The Tin Woodman was the one who thought up to call the Flying Monkeys. I for some reason thought that it was the Scarecrow, but it wasn't. Don't you think it would have been a good chance for the Scarecrow to show off his brains?
The Flying Monkeys carried them safely to the Quadling. Hummm, maybe they should have just asked the Monkeys when they left the Emerald City;) Anyway, Dorothy had already called the monkeys three times, using up all her chances.
Though it first seemed like the Quadling was an uncivilized land full of strange people, it turned out that they were short, plump, and friendly people after all, just like the Munchkins. I don't know where that thought came from. Maybe from "Wicked"? Indeed, they welcomed Dorothy's company and gave them cakes and cookies.
There pretty girls stood in front of Glinda's palace guarding the gate. Even in the Emerald City, there was only one gate guard,...Could it be that Glinda's palace has many visitors? Or maybe it's because the palace is so near the border that it needs such heavy guarding.
The Tin Woodman was the one who thought up to call the Flying Monkeys. I for some reason thought that it was the Scarecrow, but it wasn't. Don't you think it would have been a good chance for the Scarecrow to show off his brains?
The Flying Monkeys carried them safely to the Quadling. Hummm, maybe they should have just asked the Monkeys when they left the Emerald City;) Anyway, Dorothy had already called the monkeys three times, using up all her chances.
Though it first seemed like the Quadling was an uncivilized land full of strange people, it turned out that they were short, plump, and friendly people after all, just like the Munchkins. I don't know where that thought came from. Maybe from "Wicked"? Indeed, they welcomed Dorothy's company and gave them cakes and cookies.
There pretty girls stood in front of Glinda's palace guarding the gate. Even in the Emerald City, there was only one gate guard,...Could it be that Glinda's palace has many visitors? Or maybe it's because the palace is so near the border that it needs such heavy guarding.
Oct 21, 2010
Chapter21 The Lion Becomes the King of Beasts
The Cowardly Lion, who had paled in comparison to the other members, made a great performance. He beat a big spider-like monster by himself. "Bravery" includes "fighting in spite of one's fear", I think. But The Lion's bravery which he didn't have fear at all is brilliant!
Before the fight with the moster, he made a promise with the animals living in the woods to welcome him as their king after he beat the monster. Haha, he is shrewd:)
By the way, in Oz, no one is supposed to die, however, in the first book, that rule seems not to apply. The Wicked Witch of the East, the Wicked Witch of the West, the linx, the wolves, the craws, the bees...and this spider-like monster. Well, in fact, no one has said "Nobody can die in Oz" yet. When did that rule begin? At least, in the first book, the rule seems not to exist.
Before the fight with the moster, he made a promise with the animals living in the woods to welcome him as their king after he beat the monster. Haha, he is shrewd:)
By the way, in Oz, no one is supposed to die, however, in the first book, that rule seems not to apply. The Wicked Witch of the East, the Wicked Witch of the West, the linx, the wolves, the craws, the bees...and this spider-like monster. Well, in fact, no one has said "Nobody can die in Oz" yet. When did that rule begin? At least, in the first book, the rule seems not to exist.
Oct 20, 2010
Chapter20 The Dainty China Country
The word "dainty" of the chapter title means delicate and graceful. Actually, these people made of china are pretty and fragile...I think they should change at least the floor (or the ground?) to something made from soft material:)
The chinese princess refused Dorothy's wish to bring the princess back to Kansas. I like such a scene which indicates this world we are living and the fantasy land of Oz are connected. Oz is not in another dimension nor in a parallel universe. It exists somewhere in this world. I like that idea.
When they were going out from the chinese country, the Lion broke a church into pieces. As you expected:P, Dorothy didn't apologize. She said, "We are lucky we didn't harm these little people because they are all so brittle," and went on her journey. I was surprised that she was too insensitive.
Maybe Dorothy is much younger than I thought. I assumed she was 11 or 12, but she could be 8 or 9? I thought the Dorothy drawn by Denslow was too young, but maybe it's suitable.
The chinese princess refused Dorothy's wish to bring the princess back to Kansas. I like such a scene which indicates this world we are living and the fantasy land of Oz are connected. Oz is not in another dimension nor in a parallel universe. It exists somewhere in this world. I like that idea.
When they were going out from the chinese country, the Lion broke a church into pieces. As you expected:P, Dorothy didn't apologize. She said, "We are lucky we didn't harm these little people because they are all so brittle," and went on her journey. I was surprised that she was too insensitive.
Maybe Dorothy is much younger than I thought. I assumed she was 11 or 12, but she could be 8 or 9? I thought the Dorothy drawn by Denslow was too young, but maybe it's suitable.
Chapter19 Attacked by the Fighting Trees
They set out from the Emerald City, and embarked on an adventurous journey again. At first the weather was nice, the landscape was good, they kept going vigorously and jovially. And then, they finally arrived at a deep forest. The Fighting Trees were there.
The Woodman cut the boughs and branches to go through the forest...I don't understand how he could do it in spite of his kind heart. The Fighting Trees attacked Dorothy's party not because they were mean-spirited, but because they just wanted to protect their tribe. The Woodman was relentless, wasn't he? Though one of the Trees started to shake all of its branches as if in pain, the Woodman didn't seem to care. Do you remember the lynx which attacked the queen of the mice? To the lynx and these trees, the Woodman didn't have any pity...because he thought they were evil?
But...I get turned off by the Woodman when he intentionally cried "I can't do that because I have a kind heart."
Why didn't he say anything to the lynx or the trees before he chopped them down? The Woodman is very kind to his companions, but he is very ruthless to his enemies.
After they went through the woods, they found a high white china wall. Again, the Woodman cut the trees and made a ladder for his companions. It's very nice for Dorothy and her companions, but for the tribe of the Fighting Trees...they at least were not pleasant, I think.
The Woodman cut the boughs and branches to go through the forest...I don't understand how he could do it in spite of his kind heart. The Fighting Trees attacked Dorothy's party not because they were mean-spirited, but because they just wanted to protect their tribe. The Woodman was relentless, wasn't he? Though one of the Trees started to shake all of its branches as if in pain, the Woodman didn't seem to care. Do you remember the lynx which attacked the queen of the mice? To the lynx and these trees, the Woodman didn't have any pity...because he thought they were evil?
But...I get turned off by the Woodman when he intentionally cried "I can't do that because I have a kind heart."
Why didn't he say anything to the lynx or the trees before he chopped them down? The Woodman is very kind to his companions, but he is very ruthless to his enemies.
After they went through the woods, they found a high white china wall. Again, the Woodman cut the trees and made a ladder for his companions. It's very nice for Dorothy and her companions, but for the tribe of the Fighting Trees...they at least were not pleasant, I think.
Chapter18 Away to the South
Dorothy's one and only and last hope was gone! I worried that how she would be depressed....but she was as positive as ever!:) She thought "I'm glad I didn't ride in a balloon like that." Certainly, a balloon is a very unstable conveyance. No one knew for sure if the balloon would be able to cross the Deadly Desert for sure. Even if it could, no one knew where it would arrive.
Then, I thought Dorothy would decide to stay in Oz. But I was wrong! When the Scarecrow, who was now the ruler of Oz now, in place of the Wizard of Oz, asked, "We'd be happy if you would live here with us," she said, "No, I don't want to live here, I want to go back to Kansas." Ummm...she never seems to give up on going home.
And when the Flying Monkeys refused her wish because they couldn't fly to Kansas, before she moaned "Then, I can't go home anymore!", she cried "I have wasted the charm of the Golden Cap to no purpose!":P Dorothy, are you sure that you want to go home? How seriously do you think of it?
When they heard about Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, they decided to go to the South. The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and The Cowardly Lion, even though their wishes had come true, they offered to go to the South with Dorothy to look after her safety. Then, Dorothy said "Thank you. You are all very kind to me. But I should like to start as soon as possible." She clearly stated what she wanted to. What a nice character!:P Why didn't she say "Thank you, but you shouldn't. None of you need to do that anymore. I can't let you put yourselves in danger for my sake."? Can I never hear any humble words from her?
By the way, I always think that one of the things the author wanted to say in his Oz series is "Everyone is different. That's why you are very important. The uniqueness is wonderful." The idea can already be seen in this chapter in the first Oz books.
People in the Emerald City are proud of being ruled by the Scarecrow. They think that there is no other city which is ruled by a stuffed man. Normally, you would think that having a scarecrow succeeded a great wizard is a very derogatory, wouldn't you? But they were satisfied because the most important point for them was the uniqueness:)
When you call the Flying Monkeys, it counts even if they aren't able to grant your wish. That's kind of unfair:( I had hoped that it wouldn't count because they couldn't grant the wish.
Then, I thought Dorothy would decide to stay in Oz. But I was wrong! When the Scarecrow, who was now the ruler of Oz now, in place of the Wizard of Oz, asked, "We'd be happy if you would live here with us," she said, "No, I don't want to live here, I want to go back to Kansas." Ummm...she never seems to give up on going home.
And when the Flying Monkeys refused her wish because they couldn't fly to Kansas, before she moaned "Then, I can't go home anymore!", she cried "I have wasted the charm of the Golden Cap to no purpose!":P Dorothy, are you sure that you want to go home? How seriously do you think of it?
When they heard about Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, they decided to go to the South. The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and The Cowardly Lion, even though their wishes had come true, they offered to go to the South with Dorothy to look after her safety. Then, Dorothy said "Thank you. You are all very kind to me. But I should like to start as soon as possible." She clearly stated what she wanted to. What a nice character!:P Why didn't she say "Thank you, but you shouldn't. None of you need to do that anymore. I can't let you put yourselves in danger for my sake."? Can I never hear any humble words from her?
By the way, I always think that one of the things the author wanted to say in his Oz series is "Everyone is different. That's why you are very important. The uniqueness is wonderful." The idea can already be seen in this chapter in the first Oz books.
People in the Emerald City are proud of being ruled by the Scarecrow. They think that there is no other city which is ruled by a stuffed man. Normally, you would think that having a scarecrow succeeded a great wizard is a very derogatory, wouldn't you? But they were satisfied because the most important point for them was the uniqueness:)
When you call the Flying Monkeys, it counts even if they aren't able to grant your wish. That's kind of unfair:( I had hoped that it wouldn't count because they couldn't grant the wish.
Jul 4, 2009
Chapter17 How the Balloon was Launched
Well, the time for Dorothy's wish to come true had come!
Oz(the con man) created a plan which he made a balloon to take Dorothy back to Kansas as through the sky. And he himself planned to ride in it with her. What a good idea!:)
When I read this story for the first time, I thought "So, this is the farewell to Oz (country). The following several chapter must be about the air travel from Oz to Kansas."
But, but, mercy! The balloon had set off without Dorothy! It shocked me very much! As much as, or more than, the fact that Oz was not a wizard but just a con man.
What will you do, Dorothy?! The only person whom you could rely on has left, and the situation has gone from bad to worse:(
Oz(the con man) created a plan which he made a balloon to take Dorothy back to Kansas as through the sky. And he himself planned to ride in it with her. What a good idea!:)
When I read this story for the first time, I thought "So, this is the farewell to Oz (country). The following several chapter must be about the air travel from Oz to Kansas."
But, but, mercy! The balloon had set off without Dorothy! It shocked me very much! As much as, or more than, the fact that Oz was not a wizard but just a con man.
What will you do, Dorothy?! The only person whom you could rely on has left, and the situation has gone from bad to worse:(
Chapter16 The Magic Art of the Great Humbug
The Great Oz gave the three of them, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion, what they each wanted, as he had promised to them.
What do you think about that? I've been feeling very strange about that for a long time. How can the three trust that con man? Why can they be happy? That's a mystery to me!
When you have a problem, sometimes, you already know what you should do in your mind, however, before taking your action, you need to be told by someone "You are right. Go on!" supporting your decision in order to have some confidence. That could happen. Does the three feel like that?
But only Dorothy's wish cannot come true by such a lip service or empty promises.
I remember, when I read this story for the first time, I thought that Dorothy would end up staying in Oz.
What do you think about that? I've been feeling very strange about that for a long time. How can the three trust that con man? Why can they be happy? That's a mystery to me!
When you have a problem, sometimes, you already know what you should do in your mind, however, before taking your action, you need to be told by someone "You are right. Go on!" supporting your decision in order to have some confidence. That could happen. Does the three feel like that?
But only Dorothy's wish cannot come true by such a lip service or empty promises.
I remember, when I read this story for the first time, I thought that Dorothy would end up staying in Oz.
Chapter15 The Discovery of Oz, the Terrible
The travelers came back to the Emerald City in triumph after they destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West. They (and I) had expected them to be warmly welcomed, but they were left to wait in the rooms of the palace for several days with no message from the Wizard of Oz.
At last, they threatened the Wizard. If he didn't send them a reply, they would send him the flying monkeys after him. Then, the Great Oz was scared and allowed them to meet him immediately...that sounds fishy already, doesn't it?;)
Then, they discovered who he was.
When I was a child, I was annoyed with him, "What a con man!" But now, after the passage of several decades, I think the Wizard is sympathetic. Maybe it's because my age has become closer to his;) Far away from his home country, in a foreign country (which was not even a normal country), he had to live alone relying only his own bravado without any family or friends. Maybe he was relieved to have his secret exposed.
And he advised to the Scarecrow, "You need experiences, not a brain," and to the Lion, he said, "You need confidence, not bravery." He is quite a man!
By the way, the Emerald City, it was made by the Great Oz. I forgot about it.
Dorothy thinks "If he find a way to go back Kansas, I will willingly forgive everything he has done." She doesn't begrudge anything. If I were her....haha:P A very good girl, Dorothy!:)
At last, they threatened the Wizard. If he didn't send them a reply, they would send him the flying monkeys after him. Then, the Great Oz was scared and allowed them to meet him immediately...that sounds fishy already, doesn't it?;)
Then, they discovered who he was.
When I was a child, I was annoyed with him, "What a con man!" But now, after the passage of several decades, I think the Wizard is sympathetic. Maybe it's because my age has become closer to his;) Far away from his home country, in a foreign country (which was not even a normal country), he had to live alone relying only his own bravado without any family or friends. Maybe he was relieved to have his secret exposed.
And he advised to the Scarecrow, "You need experiences, not a brain," and to the Lion, he said, "You need confidence, not bravery." He is quite a man!
By the way, the Emerald City, it was made by the Great Oz. I forgot about it.
Dorothy thinks "If he find a way to go back Kansas, I will willingly forgive everything he has done." She doesn't begrudge anything. If I were her....haha:P A very good girl, Dorothy!:)
Chapter14 The Winged Monkeys
There was no path between the castle of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Emerald City. The Winkie country seems to be an undeveloped land. How different it is from the affluent Munchkin land which has the road paved by yellow bricks.
Having been taught by the queen of the mice, Dorothy called the flying monkeys using the golden cap's magic power.
The flying monkeys told their history to Dorothy and her companions during the flight to the Emerald City.
The story began like this; Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess and a powerful witch named Gayelette and her fiance, Quelala. To tell the truth, I hardly remembered about Quelala. But after I carefully reread about him, I think he was a cool guy!;) No wonder Gayelette fell for him:)
For the flying monkeys, it was unlucky to be found by Gayelette while they were teasing Quelala, but I think it was natural that Gayelette got angry. However, the penalty is a little too heavy, isn't it?
While Dorothy and her companions were listening to the flying monkeys' story, they arrived in the front of the gate of the Emerald City. As the Lion said, it was very lucky that Dorothy got the Golden Cap. Besides, Dorothy seemed to enjoy that flight.
Having been taught by the queen of the mice, Dorothy called the flying monkeys using the golden cap's magic power.
The flying monkeys told their history to Dorothy and her companions during the flight to the Emerald City.
The story began like this; Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess and a powerful witch named Gayelette and her fiance, Quelala. To tell the truth, I hardly remembered about Quelala. But after I carefully reread about him, I think he was a cool guy!;) No wonder Gayelette fell for him:)
For the flying monkeys, it was unlucky to be found by Gayelette while they were teasing Quelala, but I think it was natural that Gayelette got angry. However, the penalty is a little too heavy, isn't it?
While Dorothy and her companions were listening to the flying monkeys' story, they arrived in the front of the gate of the Emerald City. As the Lion said, it was very lucky that Dorothy got the Golden Cap. Besides, Dorothy seemed to enjoy that flight.
Feb 7, 2009
Chapter13 The Rescue
After Dorothy destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West, though I thought she would go back to the Emerald City as quickly as possible, she informed the Winkies of being released from the Wicked Witch of the West, rescued the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, got friendly with the Winkies, and enjoyed staying the castle of the Wicked Witch of the West having feasts with them. Then, one day, she remembered Aunt Em...ummm...so...she didn't feel uncomfortable in Oz...why didn't she keep living in Oz? Did she need forcedly to go back to Kansas?
Eventually, the travelers were to go back to the Emerald City. Before they set out, Dorothy hunted out the Witch's cupboard and got the Golden Cap, which could call the Flying Monkeys while she didn't know about its power. How shrewd she was!:)
What I always wonder aoubt is the Scarecrow. Every time after he is ruined, he always got new straws to stuff his body, and he got a new face painted on his head again, then... tada!...he is back again! But..., you know, he changed his everything. How does he keep his personality and memory?;P
Eventually, the travelers were to go back to the Emerald City. Before they set out, Dorothy hunted out the Witch's cupboard and got the Golden Cap, which could call the Flying Monkeys while she didn't know about its power. How shrewd she was!:)
What I always wonder aoubt is the Scarecrow. Every time after he is ruined, he always got new straws to stuff his body, and he got a new face painted on his head again, then... tada!...he is back again! But..., you know, he changed his everything. How does he keep his personality and memory?;P
Feb 1, 2009
Chapter12 The Search for the Wicked Witch
This chapter is longer than the others. It describes the time from when Dorothy and her companions set out to seek the Wicked Witch of the West up to the time when they destroy the Witch. Many things happen.
Because the movie's impression is very strong, I cannot imagine the Wicked Witch of the West having any other faces except that green face shown in the movie. However, in the original story written by Baum, there is no mention of her face color. (So, probably, Elphaba in "Wicked" is from the movie's image.) She can see with only one of her eyes, but that eye is so clear-sighted it acts like a telescope, (there is another one-eyed witch who is named Blinkie in "The Scarecrow of Oz", the 9th book of the Oz series. Are there any relationships between the two witches?) And the Witch's blood dried up in her body many years ago....that's all we are told about her.
The reason why the Wicked Witch of the West captured Dorothy and her companions was not because she was Dorothy. The Witch just disliked having a troop intrude in her own territory. She ordered the flying monkeys to bring the Lion to her because she wanted to ride it as a horse, but she didn't care about Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, or the Tin Woodman at all. The flying monkeys weren't able to harm Dorothy because of the charm of the Good Witch of the North, so they brought Dorothy to the Wicked Witch of the West. At that time, for the first time, the Witch realized "Oh my, this child is wearing the magic silver slippers."
In the movie, the Witch's target was Dorothy because she killed her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East....This is confusing! In the original story, there is no mention about any kind of relationship between the two witches, or even if they knew each other or not. I think they at least knew each other's names, though:)
At any rate, isn't it surprising that the Witch of the West was melted by water? (Hey, Witch, are you suger or something?;)) She also couldn't take Dorothy's silver slippers because she feared the dark. She didn't notice that Dorothy secretly gave food to the Lion. Her subjects were only wolves, crows, bees....is that all? She had a magic golden cap which could call the flying monkeys three times, but she had called them three times already. Actually, she doesn't scare me, after I carefully reread everything about her . The Wicked With of the West. The bitch of bitches. (Sorry, rude words!) I wonder if that image is from the movie.
In Oz, nobody can die, but, the Wicked Witch of the East and the Wicked Witch of the West both died. I don't know why:P
Dorothy got angry because the Witch took the other one of the silver slippers, and get more angry because the Witch said "I shall get another one too", and then the anger made her lose her temper, she dashed the water from the nearby bucket onto the Witch. How strong she was!
And then, while she apologized "Sorry, I didn't know you would be melted by water," she dashed the water again over the melting witch to melt her completely, swept her out through the door, and innocently got back her silver slipper back. Can I call her, "strong"? Her indifferent nature is amazing!!:)
Because the movie's impression is very strong, I cannot imagine the Wicked Witch of the West having any other faces except that green face shown in the movie. However, in the original story written by Baum, there is no mention of her face color. (So, probably, Elphaba in "Wicked" is from the movie's image.) She can see with only one of her eyes, but that eye is so clear-sighted it acts like a telescope, (there is another one-eyed witch who is named Blinkie in "The Scarecrow of Oz", the 9th book of the Oz series. Are there any relationships between the two witches?) And the Witch's blood dried up in her body many years ago....that's all we are told about her.
The reason why the Wicked Witch of the West captured Dorothy and her companions was not because she was Dorothy. The Witch just disliked having a troop intrude in her own territory. She ordered the flying monkeys to bring the Lion to her because she wanted to ride it as a horse, but she didn't care about Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, or the Tin Woodman at all. The flying monkeys weren't able to harm Dorothy because of the charm of the Good Witch of the North, so they brought Dorothy to the Wicked Witch of the West. At that time, for the first time, the Witch realized "Oh my, this child is wearing the magic silver slippers."
In the movie, the Witch's target was Dorothy because she killed her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East....This is confusing! In the original story, there is no mention about any kind of relationship between the two witches, or even if they knew each other or not. I think they at least knew each other's names, though:)
At any rate, isn't it surprising that the Witch of the West was melted by water? (Hey, Witch, are you suger or something?;)) She also couldn't take Dorothy's silver slippers because she feared the dark. She didn't notice that Dorothy secretly gave food to the Lion. Her subjects were only wolves, crows, bees....is that all? She had a magic golden cap which could call the flying monkeys three times, but she had called them three times already. Actually, she doesn't scare me, after I carefully reread everything about her . The Wicked With of the West. The bitch of bitches. (Sorry, rude words!) I wonder if that image is from the movie.
In Oz, nobody can die, but, the Wicked Witch of the East and the Wicked Witch of the West both died. I don't know why:P
Dorothy got angry because the Witch took the other one of the silver slippers, and get more angry because the Witch said "I shall get another one too", and then the anger made her lose her temper, she dashed the water from the nearby bucket onto the Witch. How strong she was!
And then, while she apologized "Sorry, I didn't know you would be melted by water," she dashed the water again over the melting witch to melt her completely, swept her out through the door, and innocently got back her silver slipper back. Can I call her, "strong"? Her indifferent nature is amazing!!:)
Chapter11 The Wonderful Emerald City of Oz
Finally, the time has come. They meet the Great Wizard of Oz.
The Great Wizard of Oz seems not to have known that Dorothy's house had fallen on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her. He asked Dorothy how she got the silver slippers and the charm kiss from the Good Witch of the North. I thought he knew everything, but actually, he doesn't.:(
However, this was great that he made each of the four of them meet him privately, and every time, his appearance was different. It showed them (and us) how great the Great Wizard was. Super!
What I have been curious and skeptical of for long time is this; the Great Wizard of Oz asked each person "Why should I this for you?" Why?...such a thing...do you ask someone if you are a ruler? In the end, the story goes that if they want to ask the Wizard a favor, they should kill the Wicked Witch of the West first. Well, I expected something like "If you can kill the Witch, I would recognize that you would be worth of using my magic power as a reward for your effort." But the Wizard said only "Help me and I'll help you." This is nothing but "give and take." He doesn't seem to think he should care for his subjects because he has magic power. Fifty-fifty relationship. Ummm...is this, maybe, very American??
By the way, Mr. Scarecrow! You didn't need to stand still in the corner of the room allocated until the meeting to the Wizard, watching the spider weaving their net all night, even though I know you don't need to sleep at all. Don't you have anything else to do?;)
Dorothy seemed thoughtless in the previous chapters, but, in this chapter, she mentioned her opinion, "I don't want to kill anybody, even to see Aunt Em again." Ummm...but if she doesn't kill the Wicked Witch of the West... that means she could never go back to Kansas forever...this is a tough question, isn't it? If I were her?? Oz is a wonderful place, but I feel uncomfortable thinking of living in Oz for the rest of my life...but...ummm....what would you do if you were Dorothy?
Well, before thinking that, I'd like to say to Dorothy, "Your first worry should be about being killed by the Witch at first!" She isn't afraid of it at all:p Maybe, she believed in the strength of the charm from the Good Witch of the North:)
The Great Wizard of Oz seems not to have known that Dorothy's house had fallen on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her. He asked Dorothy how she got the silver slippers and the charm kiss from the Good Witch of the North. I thought he knew everything, but actually, he doesn't.:(
However, this was great that he made each of the four of them meet him privately, and every time, his appearance was different. It showed them (and us) how great the Great Wizard was. Super!
What I have been curious and skeptical of for long time is this; the Great Wizard of Oz asked each person "Why should I this for you?" Why?...such a thing...do you ask someone if you are a ruler? In the end, the story goes that if they want to ask the Wizard a favor, they should kill the Wicked Witch of the West first. Well, I expected something like "If you can kill the Witch, I would recognize that you would be worth of using my magic power as a reward for your effort." But the Wizard said only "Help me and I'll help you." This is nothing but "give and take." He doesn't seem to think he should care for his subjects because he has magic power. Fifty-fifty relationship. Ummm...is this, maybe, very American??
By the way, Mr. Scarecrow! You didn't need to stand still in the corner of the room allocated until the meeting to the Wizard, watching the spider weaving their net all night, even though I know you don't need to sleep at all. Don't you have anything else to do?;)
Dorothy seemed thoughtless in the previous chapters, but, in this chapter, she mentioned her opinion, "I don't want to kill anybody, even to see Aunt Em again." Ummm...but if she doesn't kill the Wicked Witch of the West... that means she could never go back to Kansas forever...this is a tough question, isn't it? If I were her?? Oz is a wonderful place, but I feel uncomfortable thinking of living in Oz for the rest of my life...but...ummm....what would you do if you were Dorothy?
Well, before thinking that, I'd like to say to Dorothy, "Your first worry should be about being killed by the Witch at first!" She isn't afraid of it at all:p Maybe, she believed in the strength of the charm from the Good Witch of the North:)
Jan 18, 2009
Chapter10 The Guardian of the Gate
The Lion was surprised to find out he was rescued by the mice. (Come to think of it, in Aesop's fables, there is a story in which a lion is rescued by a mouse:))
Well, well, here again, Dorothy's daring (or innocence, or thoughtlessness ...)appeared. Because they have no food and they feel hungry, she suggests "OK, so, let's ask the people at the next house." What would you do if a strange girl with a big lion asked you to stay at your house overnight? But eventually, they complied with Dorothy's request...ummm...that's because of Dorothy's virtue?:)
The husband of this house has an injured leg. Why was this necessary?...I don't think the story needs it. And there is no explanation why or when he got injured. I wonder why he should have been injured. And that person, with a knowing air, said "The Great Wizard of Oz will very easily give you a brain, a heart and bravery." By golly....He seems to be friendly and kind, but irresponsible.
And one more thing I'd like to say about this chapter is that the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman keep standing in the corner of the room during the night. If I were Dorothy, I could not sleep very well if someone were to stand by me all night. I'd like them to stand outside the room. Don't you think so?
In the meantime, they arrived at the gate of the Emerald City. They were given green glasses by the gate guard, and entered the capital of Oz.
Well, well, here again, Dorothy's daring (or innocence, or thoughtlessness ...)appeared. Because they have no food and they feel hungry, she suggests "OK, so, let's ask the people at the next house." What would you do if a strange girl with a big lion asked you to stay at your house overnight? But eventually, they complied with Dorothy's request...ummm...that's because of Dorothy's virtue?:)
The husband of this house has an injured leg. Why was this necessary?...I don't think the story needs it. And there is no explanation why or when he got injured. I wonder why he should have been injured. And that person, with a knowing air, said "The Great Wizard of Oz will very easily give you a brain, a heart and bravery." By golly....He seems to be friendly and kind, but irresponsible.
And one more thing I'd like to say about this chapter is that the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman keep standing in the corner of the room during the night. If I were Dorothy, I could not sleep very well if someone were to stand by me all night. I'd like them to stand outside the room. Don't you think so?
In the meantime, they arrived at the gate of the Emerald City. They were given green glasses by the gate guard, and entered the capital of Oz.
Chapter9 The Queen of the Field Mice
What does "a person has a heart" mean? Judging from the Tin Woodman's behaviors, it seems like weepy or kind....but the other companions are kind too...only the Tin Woodman emphasizes heart, heart, heart! If no heart expresses no feelings, a heart expresses having various feelings, doesn't it? But it isn't indicated in this story at all. Well, it's OK though.
At the beginning of this chapter, the Woodman chopped off the lynx's head without any hesitations. Is that OK for you, Tin Woodman?:P
But here again, his skill as a woodman was clearlt shown to us. He made Wagon's bed, wheels, and even nails from nearby trees. How great!
The queen of the mice is tiny but her pride is very strong. And her ability as a leader is commensurate with her pride. If they should stay in the poppy field much longer, all of the mice would be in danger....she never forgets about her mice.
Anyway, Toto fought against his instinct very well.
At the beginning of this chapter, the Woodman chopped off the lynx's head without any hesitations. Is that OK for you, Tin Woodman?:P
But here again, his skill as a woodman was clearlt shown to us. He made Wagon's bed, wheels, and even nails from nearby trees. How great!
The queen of the mice is tiny but her pride is very strong. And her ability as a leader is commensurate with her pride. If they should stay in the poppy field much longer, all of the mice would be in danger....she never forgets about her mice.
Anyway, Toto fought against his instinct very well.
Chapter7 The Journey to the Great Oz
The three companions did a great job in this chapter!
The scene where the Scarecrow had difficulty picking up nuts, it reminded me of a book which I read in the hospital the other day. It said, "Human beings can easily use their fingers to do things because we have nails on our finger's tips. If we wear gloves with cottons stuffed into each finger tips, we could not grasp things. Try it! You'll find how important nails are." I've never done it, but I can easily imagine that it is true. After all, the Scarecrow should use his brain instead of his body.
The Lion was so cool! He jumped over the sheer cliff, and protected his friends from Kalidah by using his body as a shield. How can I say he is a coward?! In peacetime, people can say anything, but when it comes to the crunch, what do they do? Lion, you are brave!
Of course, there was also a scene that expressed the Tin Woodman's tenderness...but what I focused on him in this chapter was his skill as a woodman. No matter how nice a person's personality is, if the person does sloppy work, I'd say just,"...ummm...", but the Tin Woodman did a great job when he chopped down trees, and made the raft. He must have faithfully worked hard at his job in the wood in Munchikin land. I had thought that he was a wimp who was only kind or tender, but I've changed my mind. He must be a nice guy who took care of his parents and worked diligently.
The scene where the Scarecrow had difficulty picking up nuts, it reminded me of a book which I read in the hospital the other day. It said, "Human beings can easily use their fingers to do things because we have nails on our finger's tips. If we wear gloves with cottons stuffed into each finger tips, we could not grasp things. Try it! You'll find how important nails are." I've never done it, but I can easily imagine that it is true. After all, the Scarecrow should use his brain instead of his body.
The Lion was so cool! He jumped over the sheer cliff, and protected his friends from Kalidah by using his body as a shield. How can I say he is a coward?! In peacetime, people can say anything, but when it comes to the crunch, what do they do? Lion, you are brave!
Of course, there was also a scene that expressed the Tin Woodman's tenderness...but what I focused on him in this chapter was his skill as a woodman. No matter how nice a person's personality is, if the person does sloppy work, I'd say just,"...ummm...", but the Tin Woodman did a great job when he chopped down trees, and made the raft. He must have faithfully worked hard at his job in the wood in Munchikin land. I had thought that he was a wimp who was only kind or tender, but I've changed my mind. He must be a nice guy who took care of his parents and worked diligently.
Chapter8 The Deadly Poppy Field
Troubles happened one after another. The Scarecrow was left behind alone, the Lion was abandoned by his companions. In every case, Dorothy seems not very helpful. Or ...rather, a drag?:P Why do they esteem her so highly? Because she told them about the Great Wizard of Oz? Is that it? Information seems to be very important, all through the ages, doesn't it?;)
I feel uncomfortable when the Tin Woodman keeps on saying "I am about to shed tears when I think of ****, but I have to stand it not to rust myself." Of course, that indicates the existence of his heart to us, though, I'd like to retort "What are hearts for? Only for that?" And eventually, he cares his body most:(
By the way, there was a stork who helped the Scarecrow after he was left behind alone in the river. Why should it be "a stork"? I don't understand. Do storks have some special meaning? I know the lore "Babies are brought by storks." But why here?
I didn't know poppies really have a narcotic effect on people. And I've learned from the Internet that red poppies are a symbol of fallen soldiers in some countries. Does "poppy field" include that message? ...No, that happened after World War I, so, there is no relation between them.
I feel uncomfortable when the Tin Woodman keeps on saying "I am about to shed tears when I think of ****, but I have to stand it not to rust myself." Of course, that indicates the existence of his heart to us, though, I'd like to retort "What are hearts for? Only for that?" And eventually, he cares his body most:(
By the way, there was a stork who helped the Scarecrow after he was left behind alone in the river. Why should it be "a stork"? I don't understand. Do storks have some special meaning? I know the lore "Babies are brought by storks." But why here?
I didn't know poppies really have a narcotic effect on people. And I've learned from the Internet that red poppies are a symbol of fallen soldiers in some countries. Does "poppy field" include that message? ...No, that happened after World War I, so, there is no relation between them.
Chapter6 The Cowardly Lion
The road was getting worse, the woods was getting denser, there were scary growls...but they were safe because the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman didn't have flesh and Dorothy had a charm of the Witch of the North, except Toto...while they were talking that...bingo! A huge lion attacked Toto!
Toto was brave. He didn't hesitate to battle against the big lion. However, if the lion was not the Cowardly Lion, he would have been eaten just in one bite. There is only an fine line between bravery and recklessness.
When I read this book before, I thought the Lion was annoying because he was always weeping. But this time, I've changed my mind. The Lion blames himself because he cannot live up to other's expectations which is "Lion is king of all beasts. He must be very brave." Now I think he is a very responsible and good fellow. He got friendly with Toto very soon.
I like the Woodman's words:"You people with hearts have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful." Actually, that shows us that the Woodman has a heart, right? Being thoughtful to others is sometimes very difficult even if we have hearts.
It was also shown to us how the Scarecrow was smart when he solved the Tin Woodman's trouble.
At first, I thought Dorothy's wish was the easiest to make come true because we cannot give someone brain or heart or bravery. However, maybe, hers is the most difficult. These three attendants seem to need only some counselings.
Toto was brave. He didn't hesitate to battle against the big lion. However, if the lion was not the Cowardly Lion, he would have been eaten just in one bite. There is only an fine line between bravery and recklessness.
When I read this book before, I thought the Lion was annoying because he was always weeping. But this time, I've changed my mind. The Lion blames himself because he cannot live up to other's expectations which is "Lion is king of all beasts. He must be very brave." Now I think he is a very responsible and good fellow. He got friendly with Toto very soon.
I like the Woodman's words:"You people with hearts have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful." Actually, that shows us that the Woodman has a heart, right? Being thoughtful to others is sometimes very difficult even if we have hearts.
It was also shown to us how the Scarecrow was smart when he solved the Tin Woodman's trouble.
At first, I thought Dorothy's wish was the easiest to make come true because we cannot give someone brain or heart or bravery. However, maybe, hers is the most difficult. These three attendants seem to need only some counselings.
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