TED-Ed: Does "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" have a hidden message? - David B. Parker

In 1963, Henry Littlefield proposed that 'The Wizard of Oz' was an allegory for the Gilded Age, linking characters and events in the book to historical figures and movements like populism. His theory gained traction, sparking scholarly debate and alternative interpretations. While some see it as a critique of capitalism, others view it as a celebration of urban culture. The true intent of L. Frank Baum remains uncertain, but the story's enduring relevance is clear.

What connections did Henry Littlefield make between The Wizard of Oz and the Gilded Age?

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What was the significance of the yellow brick road and the silver shoes in the context of the economic issues of the 1890s?

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How did Littlefield use the characters in The Wizard of Oz to represent different social groups during the Gilded Age?

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Discuss the impact of Littlefield's essay on the interpretation of The Wizard of Oz in the 1960s.

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What are some of the differing interpretations of The Wizard of Oz proposed by scholars in recent years?

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