The Reading of Oz: Chapter twenty-three and twenty-four (summary and analysis)

She threw her arms around the Lion’s neck and kissed him, patting his big head tenderly. Then she kissed the Tin Woodman, who was weeping in a way most dangerous to his joints. But she hugged the soft, stuffed body of the Scarecrow in her arms instead of kissing his painted face, and found she was crying herself at this sorrowful parting from her loving comrades..

(Baum)

…

Greetings!

We have come to the end of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, so we are going to summarize and analyze chapter twenty-three and twenty-four. In the following chapters, Dorothy and her friends finally meet Glinda the Good Witch. But, will she grant Dorothy’s wish? Let’s find out!

Chapter Twenty-Three summary: Glinda the Good Witch Grants Dorothy’s Wish

Dorothy washes up before meeting the Good Witch Glinda, and her companions all clean themselves up, too. The scarecrow patted himself, the lion cleaned his mane, and the Tin Woodsman made sure his joints were oiled. Then, they entered the throne room of the Good Witch.

She was both beautiful and young to their eyes. Her hair was a rich red in color and fell in flowing ringlets over her shoulders. Her dress was pure white but her eyes were blue, and they looked kindly upon the little girl.

(Baum)

Dorothy explains her predicament to Glinda, who listens intently, and when it is over, she tells Dorothy that in exchange for the Golden Cap, she will transport her to Kansas. Dorothy, having rid herself of the monkeys, gives up the cap. Glinda, in her wisdom, then sends each of Dorothy’s companions to where they belong: The Scarecrow to the Emerald City where he will rule, the Tin Woodsman to the land of Winkies, and the Cowardly Lion to the jungle where he is to rule the wild beasts.

Glinda then reveals to Dorothy that she could have used her shoes to teleport back to Kansas because the silver slippers have magical powers. After a tearful goodbye to her friends, Dorothy prepares to leave.

“Dorothy now took Toto up solemnly in her arms, and having said one last good-bye she clapped the heels of her shoes together three times, saying: “Take me home to Aunt Em!”

After flying through the air, Dorothy lands back in Kansas and realizes that the magical, silver shoes have flown off and are now lost for good.

Chapter Twenty-Four summary: Home Again

In this brief chapter, Dorothy has made it home and so runs toward Aunt Em who is overjoyed to see her. She kisses Dorothy and embraces her, asking her where she came from.

Dorothy replies:

“From the Land of Oz,” said Dorothy gravely. “And here is Toto, too. And oh, Aunt Em! I’m so glad to be at home again!”

(Baum)

Analysis

So, the story is over, and we have conquered Oz in all its magic and wonder and strangeness. Does that mean it’s over for good? Probably not. I would like to look at some of the other Oz books in the future, but maybe we will try something different for a few Mondays in exchange for a brief reprieve from a novel exploration

Thank you for joining me during this adventure. I will hopefully see you again soon!

Works Cited

Baum, L. Frank. “The Wizard of Oz the First Five Novels.” Fall River Press, 2014.