Glinda's army appears to be trained very well. It has well-kept weapons and responds swiftly. The number of soldiers wasn't mentioned, but there seemed to be quite many. They even had a marching band! It was quite different from the army of the Emerald City.
Glinda rode in a palanquin this time, not her favorite swan chariot. The palanquin didn't have wheels and was carried by twelve servants. It must have been so bumpy that Glinda would have become ill with all the movement. Could that be why she didn't attack the Emerald City when the Wizard of Oz ruled?
The Gump with the Scarecrow and his friends flew along above her palanquin. Don't you have an unpleasant feeling when something follows you above your head? The Scarecrow's party seemed not to care at all, though. Don't you think that Glinda might have felt it was annoying? Then, perhaps when she saw the Gump flying so smoothly across the sky, she cried out, "That's it!" and got the inspiration for the swan chariot.
I feel sorry that Jellia Jamb was forced to pretend to be Mombi and was threatened with death if she said what was going on behind her. The rule that nobody dies in Oz didn't apply here again.
I admire how shrewd Mombi was. She was old and experienced. Even Glinda couldn't find her.
I didn't know the Tin Woodman had a buttonhole on his body. What a fine job! Look at the Ku-Klip's craftsmanship! I'm just worried that it's hard to rub and starts to rust easily.
The Tin Woodman, who loves flowers, doesn't hesitate to cut one. I don't understand his philosophy yet.
As you remember, white is the color for a witch. In this chapter you can once again see the rule that Glinda's army's tents were red but Glinda's was white. However, the white flag which was used when Jinjur sent a messenger to Glinda didn't have the same meaning as the witch's color, of course. Raising a white flag to signify non-combat seems to be well-known in Oz too.
According to my further research, I found an article stating that a person who carries a white flag is recognized as an authorized non-combat messenger as established in the Laws and Customs of War on Land in 1899.
May 12, 2013
Chapter 20: The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
Each member took what they like from the hoardings in the nest.
I can't help feeling pity to the Jackdaws because they were abruptly intruded upon in their nest, attacked and beaten when they wanted the intruders to go away, moreover, their treasures were stolen which they had been save guarding for a long time.
The Scarecrow and his party were shrewd. They caught something for them even if they are in trouble. But there was one negative point for them: They left Dr. Nikidik's wishing pills in the nest. So, it's break-even, I think. They're useless for the Jackdaws, though.
It's regrettable that they forgot to bring the wishing pills. I wonder why they didn't wish that everyone can get to Glinda's palace safely in the first place. Oh, is it a taboo? Haha.
What would it have happened if they wished that they wanted to get back the throne from Jinjur? Maybe they had to forget the pills in order that the readers should forget these other more plausible possibilities.
Then, they arrived at Glinda's palace. I couldn't find any mention of Glinda's beauty. The author mentioned only the beauty of the garden and the throne.
I'm curious why Glinda's army was trained very well. In this Oz? Why? Who was supposed to be their (imaginary) enemy? Hummm...maybe it was the Wizard of Oz? Glinda mentioned she sent her spies to the Wizard in order to observe him.
Tip seemed to hate and loath Mombi anyhow. He cursed her only. No child knows how dear he is to his parents. (I can't help thinking that Mombi cared for him.)
Then, finally, Glinda and her army set off to the Emelard City. Mombi and Jinjur are going to be in danger! Uh...which side am I with?
By the way, Jack's head can turn horizontally, but not vertically. When he wants to look downward, he has to tilt his body being careful not to drop his head. So...he usually can't see the things lower than his eyes, can he? Since he is quite tall, when he sees Tip, I guess he can see only the top of Tip's head. Of course, if he keeps a distance a little from Tip, he can see Tip well, though.
I can't help feeling pity to the Jackdaws because they were abruptly intruded upon in their nest, attacked and beaten when they wanted the intruders to go away, moreover, their treasures were stolen which they had been save guarding for a long time.
The Scarecrow and his party were shrewd. They caught something for them even if they are in trouble. But there was one negative point for them: They left Dr. Nikidik's wishing pills in the nest. So, it's break-even, I think. They're useless for the Jackdaws, though.
It's regrettable that they forgot to bring the wishing pills. I wonder why they didn't wish that everyone can get to Glinda's palace safely in the first place. Oh, is it a taboo? Haha.
What would it have happened if they wished that they wanted to get back the throne from Jinjur? Maybe they had to forget the pills in order that the readers should forget these other more plausible possibilities.
Then, they arrived at Glinda's palace. I couldn't find any mention of Glinda's beauty. The author mentioned only the beauty of the garden and the throne.
I'm curious why Glinda's army was trained very well. In this Oz? Why? Who was supposed to be their (imaginary) enemy? Hummm...maybe it was the Wizard of Oz? Glinda mentioned she sent her spies to the Wizard in order to observe him.
Tip seemed to hate and loath Mombi anyhow. He cursed her only. No child knows how dear he is to his parents. (I can't help thinking that Mombi cared for him.)
Then, finally, Glinda and her army set off to the Emelard City. Mombi and Jinjur are going to be in danger! Uh...which side am I with?
By the way, Jack's head can turn horizontally, but not vertically. When he wants to look downward, he has to tilt his body being careful not to drop his head. So...he usually can't see the things lower than his eyes, can he? Since he is quite tall, when he sees Tip, I guess he can see only the top of Tip's head. Of course, if he keeps a distance a little from Tip, he can see Tip well, though.
Chapter19: Dr. Nikidik's Famous Wishing Pills
Although they managed to keep the crows off through the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow's outstanding effort to guard them, the Scarecrow got in serious trouble! All his stuffing was gone.
His friends found a lot of dollar bills in the nest and stuffed them into the Scarecrow's body instead. Picture the Scarecrow, who is pure, innocent, and non-calculating, with his body full of dollar bills. It's odd, isn't it?
There was a statement that fifty-dollar, one hundred-dollar, and one-thousand dollar bills are stuffed in the Scarecrow's body. Have you ever seen a one thousand dollar bill? I've never even heard of them. I checked on Wikipedia and got the answer immediately.
There were five-hundred, one-thousand, five-thousand, and even ten-thousand dollar bills at one time. They were mainly used for settlements between banks. In 1945, those high-value bills stopped being printed. Following the emergence of the electronic settlement system, the high-value bills lost their necessity, and stopped circulating in 1969.
So, at the time of this book, "The Marvelous Land of Oz," they were a reality! I was really surprised that there were 10,000 dollar bills! But, yes, as there was no online system at that time, banks needed those bills. Imagine how scary it would be if a gust of wind blew away your 10,000 dollar bill. Whoosh!
The "count seventeen by twos" matter was solved by the Saw Horse, not the Scarecrow or the Woggle-bug. A novice happened to look into the problem and solved it easily even though the experts couldn't. That happens in real life too, doesn't it? The Scarecrow said, "You make me quite ashamed of myself," and bowed low to the Saw Horse. I guess he was a little disappointed but he concealed his feeling and acted politely. How humble he was. Well, could it be the Scarecrow really said it from the heart? If so, it makes me admire him more.
However, I'm always confused when I read this. This solution doesn't make sense. One of my friends gave me an excellent solution. Why didn't they start from 1? 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, right? If you start from 0.5 and count by twos, your next number will be 2.5 then 4.5 and so on.
The Woggle-bug is actually a good guy. He swallowed the wishing pill without hesitation, saying " For I seem to be the only one able and willing to make a wish. Let me have one of the pills," after seeing how much pain Tip was in.It's just that his language is sometimes harsh. He always says more than he needs to. I know he doesn't mean to be mean, but it always makes the situation worse. ;( Yet, I know he isn't a bad person.
There was a statement that fifty-dollar, one hundred-dollar, and one-thousand dollar bills are stuffed in the Scarecrow's body. Have you ever seen a one thousand dollar bill? I've never even heard of them. I checked on Wikipedia and got the answer immediately.
There were five-hundred, one-thousand, five-thousand, and even ten-thousand dollar bills at one time. They were mainly used for settlements between banks. In 1945, those high-value bills stopped being printed. Following the emergence of the electronic settlement system, the high-value bills lost their necessity, and stopped circulating in 1969.
So, at the time of this book, "The Marvelous Land of Oz," they were a reality! I was really surprised that there were 10,000 dollar bills! But, yes, as there was no online system at that time, banks needed those bills. Imagine how scary it would be if a gust of wind blew away your 10,000 dollar bill. Whoosh!
The "count seventeen by twos" matter was solved by the Saw Horse, not the Scarecrow or the Woggle-bug. A novice happened to look into the problem and solved it easily even though the experts couldn't. That happens in real life too, doesn't it? The Scarecrow said, "You make me quite ashamed of myself," and bowed low to the Saw Horse. I guess he was a little disappointed but he concealed his feeling and acted politely. How humble he was. Well, could it be the Scarecrow really said it from the heart? If so, it makes me admire him more.
However, I'm always confused when I read this. This solution doesn't make sense. One of my friends gave me an excellent solution. Why didn't they start from 1? 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, right? If you start from 0.5 and count by twos, your next number will be 2.5 then 4.5 and so on.
The Woggle-bug is actually a good guy. He swallowed the wishing pill without hesitation, saying " For I seem to be the only one able and willing to make a wish. Let me have one of the pills," after seeing how much pain Tip was in.It's just that his language is sometimes harsh. He always says more than he needs to. I know he doesn't mean to be mean, but it always makes the situation worse. ;( Yet, I know he isn't a bad person.
May 2, 2013
Chapter18: In the Jackdaws' Nest
I didn't know what Jackdaw was. It's a kind of crow. They don't live in Japan, or even in the USA. ;D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackdaw
The Gump flew to Europe? Since it took him one night to fly from Oz, Oz must be near Europe, or could the Gump fly that fast?
When I was a child, I thought anything would be happy if it was brought to life. (I wonder if it was the influence of Pinocchio?) However, the Gump wasn't happy at all. Anyone might feel that way when they find out that their body is not the same as before...rather, he was a complete ragbag. I understand that he would never want to see his original tribe. He must have been a very imposing, respected Gump at that time.
Woggle-bug, not reading the situation here again, is annoying as usual. It may not have been a long time since he was magnified, but he is often sarcastic, to everyone's annoyance. It's a thankless role. He's completely different from Jack.
The whole party fell into a Jackdaw's nest. Since the Gump's wings were broken, he couldn't fly again. If the Jackdaws came back, Jack's pumpkin head would be picked with their beaks, and the Woggle-bug would be a good dessert for the crows.
In such a fearful situation, they found that the bottle of the Powder of Life had a false bottom! And, Dr. Nikidik's wishing pills were in it. How lucky! However, they found that they would have to count seventeen by twos in order to make their wish come true. How can you count seventeen by twos? Up and down. What are they going to do? This scene is a page-turner.
Then, the Jackdaws came back to the nest. They noticed the invaders in their nest and started to attack them!
The Gump flew to Europe? Since it took him one night to fly from Oz, Oz must be near Europe, or could the Gump fly that fast?
When I was a child, I thought anything would be happy if it was brought to life. (I wonder if it was the influence of Pinocchio?) However, the Gump wasn't happy at all. Anyone might feel that way when they find out that their body is not the same as before...rather, he was a complete ragbag. I understand that he would never want to see his original tribe. He must have been a very imposing, respected Gump at that time.
Woggle-bug, not reading the situation here again, is annoying as usual. It may not have been a long time since he was magnified, but he is often sarcastic, to everyone's annoyance. It's a thankless role. He's completely different from Jack.
The whole party fell into a Jackdaw's nest. Since the Gump's wings were broken, he couldn't fly again. If the Jackdaws came back, Jack's pumpkin head would be picked with their beaks, and the Woggle-bug would be a good dessert for the crows.
In such a fearful situation, they found that the bottle of the Powder of Life had a false bottom! And, Dr. Nikidik's wishing pills were in it. How lucky! However, they found that they would have to count seventeen by twos in order to make their wish come true. How can you count seventeen by twos? Up and down. What are they going to do? This scene is a page-turner.
Then, the Jackdaws came back to the nest. They noticed the invaders in their nest and started to attack them!
Apr 30, 2013
Chapter17: The Astonishing Flight of the Gump
Well, well, well. Your wait is over. Here's our Gump!
They almost forget to sprinkle the Powder of Life onto Gump's head. Fortunately the Scarecrow pointed out that to bring life to Gump, it had to be sprinkled on his head rather than feet. If they didn't give the head life, it would have been just been a vehicle. Thanks to the Scarecrow's observation, we can meet a new ozzy fellow. :D ( I'm not sure if it was good for the Gump, though.)
The Tin Woodman's work is practical again like his work in the first book "The Wizard of Oz." Ask him to make anything. You can't go wrong. ;D
About the broom which Tip found in the room and insisted to use as a tail, the Tin Woodman said, "I do not see the use of a tail. We are not trying to copy a beast, or a fish, or a bird. All we ask of the Thing is to carry us through the air." This is a very practical artisan's way of thinking, isn't it? When I was a child, I felt the Tin Woodman was mean to Tip. However, now, as a grown-up, I like this practical decision quite well.
Eventually, the broom was used as a tail since there it could act as a rudder.
The Tin Woodman is cool and mature. When he unknowingly committed the greatest crime in the Emerald City, chopping leaves from the royal palm-tree, he wasn't panicked or upset. He calmly said, "It cannot be helped now. But it may be one more reason why it is necessary for us to escape."
The Gump flew away once but came back when Tip commanded. Does it mean the person who brought it to life is its master? Hum, I have to say the Saw Horse is usually stubborn against Tip, and do you remember? The person who brought Jack Pumpkinhead was Mombi! Jack always calls Tip "Father", but if the person who made it is its father, the Gump's father is the Tin Woodman.
They almost forget to sprinkle the Powder of Life onto Gump's head. Fortunately the Scarecrow pointed out that to bring life to Gump, it had to be sprinkled on his head rather than feet. If they didn't give the head life, it would have been just been a vehicle. Thanks to the Scarecrow's observation, we can meet a new ozzy fellow. :D ( I'm not sure if it was good for the Gump, though.)
The Tin Woodman's work is practical again like his work in the first book "The Wizard of Oz." Ask him to make anything. You can't go wrong. ;D
About the broom which Tip found in the room and insisted to use as a tail, the Tin Woodman said, "I do not see the use of a tail. We are not trying to copy a beast, or a fish, or a bird. All we ask of the Thing is to carry us through the air." This is a very practical artisan's way of thinking, isn't it? When I was a child, I felt the Tin Woodman was mean to Tip. However, now, as a grown-up, I like this practical decision quite well.
Eventually, the broom was used as a tail since there it could act as a rudder.
The Tin Woodman is cool and mature. When he unknowingly committed the greatest crime in the Emerald City, chopping leaves from the royal palm-tree, he wasn't panicked or upset. He calmly said, "It cannot be helped now. But it may be one more reason why it is necessary for us to escape."
The Gump flew away once but came back when Tip commanded. Does it mean the person who brought it to life is its master? Hum, I have to say the Saw Horse is usually stubborn against Tip, and do you remember? The person who brought Jack Pumpkinhead was Mombi! Jack always calls Tip "Father", but if the person who made it is its father, the Gump's father is the Tin Woodman.
Oct 29, 2012
Chapter16: The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
The Scarecrow rationally ruminates about JinJur's words. Who is the proper ruler, the Scarecrow or Jinjur? Thinking deeper, I've realized it's difficult to choose one. But I admire that the Scarecrow can think that way. Even if you are always complaining, it is usual to want to cling to the throne when you have to give it to someone else, isn't it?
He worries that the crown might be too heavy for Jinjur. nevertheless being attacked by Jinjur, he is kind to her.Such kindness will have made Jinjur's mind open to him later, I think.
On the other hand, he is quite cold to Woggle-Bug. When he heard Woggle-Bug was worried about Jinjur's threat, that she'll make a stew of Woggle-Bug, he remarked "I think it was a brilliant idea." Isn't he very mean?
Meanwhile, Woggle-Bug mentioned that he could live for some time on Jack. That's chilly too. Under such a tough situation, people's true personalities show up, don't they?
By the way, why did Woggle-Bug imagine the goats ate small pieces of the Tin Woodman? Metal as food for goats? It must make their stomachs upset.
Well, now I've realized it was important that one dose of the Power of Life remained. The Scarecrow's "smart" brain works brilliantly this time. (Actually, it barely works well ;P)
Jack is pleased to be given his new leg. He is so cute :D
Oct 26, 2012
Chapter15: The Prisoners of the Queen
Jinjur's army handled the people of the Emerald City quite well.
In one scene during Jinjur's rule, the men are exhausted by household chores and childcare. The Scarecrow mumbles to himself, wondering how women could do all the chores so easily, while the men were struggling with them.
While reading that scene several years ago, I was a housewife who was struggling with the chores everyday and thought enthusiastically, "Yes! Household chores and childcare are quite a hard job!"
Now that I have more experience, I've realized something. Whether you are a man or a woman, it doesn't matter. Regardless of sex, when you try to do a new thing, which you've never done before, you don't understand how to do it and make errors again and again...anyway, you must be entirely weary. If men kept doing household chores and childcare for many years. eventually they would do them very easily.
Gen. Jinjur eats caramels comfortably on the throne. She wasn't upset at all when she saw the Scarecrow's party. Then, as the Army of Revolt had planned, the whole party was captured instantly.
Jinjur declared all members of the party would be destroyed, except Tip. She had promised that she would give Tip back to Mombi. You see, it appears that Mombi cares for Tip. If she doesn't have any affection for Tip, she could just tell Jinjur to kill him. It would be the perfect excuse. She could say to anyone, "It was not my fault." But she didn't allow Jinjur to kill Tip.
Why do you think she didn't kill Tip? Only to use him as a slave?
At the very moment when the Scarecrow's party is about to die, the mice which the Scarecrow has in his clothes save them.They are precious mice of the Queen. I'm relieved that the Army of Revolt was scared by them and ran away. I worried they might smash or squish the mice with brooms or their feet or something.
Jinjur also ran for her life. Though she always spoke boldly with a strong attitude, she is a girl, after all.
In one scene during Jinjur's rule, the men are exhausted by household chores and childcare. The Scarecrow mumbles to himself, wondering how women could do all the chores so easily, while the men were struggling with them.
While reading that scene several years ago, I was a housewife who was struggling with the chores everyday and thought enthusiastically, "Yes! Household chores and childcare are quite a hard job!"
Now that I have more experience, I've realized something. Whether you are a man or a woman, it doesn't matter. Regardless of sex, when you try to do a new thing, which you've never done before, you don't understand how to do it and make errors again and again...anyway, you must be entirely weary. If men kept doing household chores and childcare for many years. eventually they would do them very easily.
Gen. Jinjur eats caramels comfortably on the throne. She wasn't upset at all when she saw the Scarecrow's party. Then, as the Army of Revolt had planned, the whole party was captured instantly.
Jinjur declared all members of the party would be destroyed, except Tip. She had promised that she would give Tip back to Mombi. You see, it appears that Mombi cares for Tip. If she doesn't have any affection for Tip, she could just tell Jinjur to kill him. It would be the perfect excuse. She could say to anyone, "It was not my fault." But she didn't allow Jinjur to kill Tip.
Why do you think she didn't kill Tip? Only to use him as a slave?
At the very moment when the Scarecrow's party is about to die, the mice which the Scarecrow has in his clothes save them.They are precious mice of the Queen. I'm relieved that the Army of Revolt was scared by them and ran away. I worried they might smash or squish the mice with brooms or their feet or something.
Jinjur also ran for her life. Though she always spoke boldly with a strong attitude, she is a girl, after all.
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