The Real Villain: A Deep Dive into “The Wizard of Oz”

Introduction:
In the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy goes on a whirlwind adventure through the magical land of Oz, encountering a variety of characters along the way. However, amidst all the whimsy and wonder, there lies a deeper question – who is the real villain in this tale?

Dorothy’s Journey Back to Kansas

One of the most iconic lines from the movie is when Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, tells Dorothy, “You’ve always had the power to go back to Kansas.” This statement raises the question of why Glinda didn’t inform Dorothy sooner, rather than letting her embark on a dangerous journey to the Emerald City.
But then why didn’t you tell her before? It seems that Glinda wanted Dorothy to realize her own inner strength and courage, ultimately gaining confidence in herself through her adventure along the yellow brick road. By the end of the movie, Dorothy learns that she had the power within her all along to find her way back home.

The Departure of the Wizard

As Dorothy finally reaches the Wizard of Oz, she discovers that he is not the all-powerful being she believed him to be. In fact, the Wizard is revealed to be nothing more than a fraud, leaving the Kingdom shortly after Dorothy’s arrival. This raises the question – why did the Wizard leave without addressing the needs of the people of Oz?
Perhaps the Wizard knew that he could no longer deceive the inhabitants of Oz with false promises and illusions. By departing quietly, he avoided facing the consequences of his actions and the backlash from those who believed in his powers. It seems that the Wizard was more concerned with self-preservation than with the well-being of the Kingdom.

Dorothy’s Rise to Power

By the end of her journey, Dorothy inadvertently eliminates all her competition in the realm of power. Through her interactions with the Wicked Witch of the West and the Wizard himself, Dorothy emerges as the true hero of the story. But does this make her the real villain of the tale?
In a sense, Dorothy’s rise to power can be seen as a subversion of the traditional hero’s journey. Instead of defeating a villain to claim the throne, Dorothy simply outshines those around her through her kindness, bravery, and determination. In doing so, she becomes the ultimate hero of Oz, but at what cost?

Who’s the Real Villain?

As we delve deeper into the world of “The Wizard of Oz,” it becomes clear that the true villain may not be a single character, but rather the forces of deception, manipulation, and self-interest that permeate the land. From Glinda’s withholding of information to the Wizard’s abandonment of his responsibilities, each character plays a role in perpetuating the cycle of power struggles and deceit.
So who’s the real villain in this beloved tale? Perhaps it is the very nature of power itself – the temptation to control, manipulate, and deceive in order to maintain authority. In the end, “The Wizard of Oz” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking power at any cost, and the true value of kindness, friendship, and self-discovery.