Curriculum expectations of the guide

Carrying out exercises about the Wizard of Oz, you need to take note of some expectations.

1. You will learn to communicate effectively
2. Expression of feelings in an acceptable way should be achieved
3. Demonstration of respect when in groups is learnt
4. Communication of ideas and information to achieve a particular purpose with the right target audience gets easier.
5. Sorting and classification of information are made easier to help in identification and solving of problems with making of a decision in the community.

Historical background information about The Wizard of Oz classical

Lyman Frank Baum with William Denslow is the pair publishers of The Wizard of Oz that got to be a thriving classical in 1902. Baum, born in New York, grew to develop an interest in creative writing and telling of stories by the time he was 12 years old. He acted once in his lifetime to satisfy his interests and became manager at his father’s professional theatres.  He had a store that attracted children, which closed down after drought issues. As a result of piecing life together, Baum met Denslow, an illustrator and made his writing a reality on another level. Baum wrote more sequels to the Wizard of Oz together with books and articles.

Note of the Director of the film

Before the Wizard of Oz, the original novel was the Wonderful Wizard of Oz that covers aspects of Dorothy’s life in bleak surroundings. Her stay with her aunt Em and uncle Henry shows the threat of a cyclone to come and the pain that comes with hard work.  It is important to note that the land of Oz is the imagination build-up of Dorothy of a world where she escapes from misery. The film is a play of imagination that educates you on what shapes the definition of a human being and the ability to reshape your world and solve problems.

The land of Oz is like an “imagination game” with equivalent elements such as those mentioned to exist in the Kansas farmhouse that is part of the dream world of Dorothy. Your audience gets to a make-believe journey through Kansas, Oz, and returning home.

Questions to be addressed before the show

As a student, you need to define “home” and “family” plus understand how friendships are formed.  The other questions are what turn of event creates an unforgettable day and discover the characteristic you may be striving towards.

The Wizard of Oz film can be an activity for students to be performers and storytellers by simply creating the plot and acting it all over again.

Questions after the show

After the film, as any student, you need to understand why people still enjoy the story and what aspects about it, such as the age of Dorothy, the Wizard’s statements, the feelings of the characters, are enlightening to you.  The situation in Kansas and Oz need to be investigated to answer the questions that the film raises in your mind.

1. The silver coinage

The history of the United States dates back to a silver movement to promote silver coins because they were abundant for an extended period. In the Wizard of Oz, the silver coinage is represented by the silver shoes of Dorothy that she believed could not wear out and are suitable for long walks.  The Wicked Witch of the East is also for the silver shoes because of the charming connection. In the late 19^th century and early 20^th century in the US, bank bosses held power over money that could only be lessened by the addition of silver to the gold standard. Towards the Free Silver elections, farmers in the US grew tired of their frustrations and retaliated and elected sympathetic individuals in important official positions.

2. The gold standard

The late 1890s in the US had currency issues as gold was deemed insufficient and cornered by people like Jay Gold. Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz, supported bimetallism and used the yellow brick road to symbolize the gold standard. The classical brought out the challenges farmers faced coupled with uncontrollable factors like droughts that addressed the gold standard’s problems.

3. Mid America/farmers at its best

The main character Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz represents Mid America, a region of open-hearted and honest farmers.  Dorothy had power over the silver shoes but was innocent of discovering them. Mid America had opportunities to implement silver but did not realize the power that comes with it. To America, the banker bosses exploited the nation’s people as Dorothy was done to, due to innocence.

4. A banker boss

In the late 1800s, banker bosses used interlocking directories and trusts to control businesses in the East. Child workers suffered as these bosses made profits. The Wicked Witch of Oz represents the banker bosses who had the Munchkins, representing the Jews and Italians, captives and servants.

5. A Midwestern farmer

The scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz symbolizes the Western farmer who fails to believe in their intellectual capabilities but is far much capable than they realize. During the drought worse phases in history, farmers pleaded to the government until the realization that they could save themselves. The production of more hurt them, but it was the way to make extra income. With increased production, prices went down, as illustrated by Baum’s scarecrow character who was without brains but solved some problems.

Conclusion

The Wizard of Oz characters presents symbolism in relation to various actors in the populism regime of the US.  An eastern industry such as the Tin Woodman, Williams Jennings Bryan symbolized by the Cowardly Loin and Emerald City as Washington, among other forms of symbolism. Creating connections between the Wizard of Oz and the populism movement in your history assignment can significantly provide a good paper depicting your deep understanding of American history.