Why does The Wizard of Oz dazzle so many?

The tale of the Wizard of Oz has been so successful that it remains a classical and popular story still today. Written by Lyman Frank Baum and first published in May of 1900, this children’s novel keeps inspiring many films, concerts, TV shows, books, video games and musical shows, for children and adult audiences alike, throughout the world. What causes so much interest and acceptance?

I think the reason is that people relate to the story; they identify themselves with one or more of the characters in the plot.

We are all born with a genuine need for love, acceptance and recognition. As little children, we have very high expectations about having those needs fully satisfied. This may often not happen as expected and the child then develops immature conclusions and strategies to cope with the resulting frustration. These childish conclusions condition the child’s behavior and when they do not seem to yield the desired effect, they may be somewhat changed, but eventually end up being expelled from the level of awareness and buried in the unconscious.From there, they no longer puzzle or confuse the conscious mind; but, although unnoticed, they keep surreptitiously conditioning the feelings and behavior of the growing individual.

Some of these typical immature conclusions are: “I am not lovable, but if I please everybody around, perhaps I will be redeemed and loved.” If I shut down my heart I will not feel the pain of not being loved.” I am not loved because I do everything wrong; I’m dumb and that’s why people don’t love me; if only I were smarter …”

These stereotyped immature beliefs are very common, both in ordinary people as in the Wizard of Oz characters.

The lion, though expected to be the bravest of the animals, has no courage. He tries to fake and intimidate people in an attempt to hide his fear and insecurity, at no avail. When challenged, he turns into a submissive attitude that doesn’t conform to his natural self as ruler of the animal kingdom. He yearns for the courage to be a true lion.

The tin man thinks that he has no heart, because he has no feelings; he suppressed them all as a pseudo defense from the painful neglect from others.

The scarecrow believes he is so dumb and is not loved because he doesn’t have a brain.

Dorothy appears to symbolize the ego of that personality tetrad; the part that reasons and decides which actions are to be taken. She may also represent the group’s soul. Dorothy misses home and yearns to return home, just like our souls yearn to reconnect with the Divine.

I believe that most people resonate with the story of the Wizard of Oz because of this close relation between some of our innermost rooted beliefs, which we try so hard to transform, and the feelings of the characters in the Wizard of Oz. This sense of identification is at the root of the long lasting popularity and success of that wonderful tale.

Gustavo Monteiro

March 2014