The Marvelous Land of Oz

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you feel about Dorothy’s absence in this sequel? The author’s note explains that this was a response to audience demand for more of the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman characters, a choice that significantly shifts the focus from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. How did this change your experience of Oz?

2. The novel introduces a host of newly created, living beings like Jack Pumpkinhead, the Saw-Horse, and the Gump. Which of these creations did you find the most compelling or memorable, and why?

3. What was your overall reaction to the book’s tone? Did you find its blend of whimsical adventure, political satire, and moments of philosophical reflection effective?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Tip’s journey culminates in the discovery that he’s Princess Ozma, a revelation that he initially resists. Have you ever had an experience where your understanding of your own identity or role in life shifted dramatically? How did you navigate the difference between the identity you’ve lived and one that might be considered more “true” or inherent?

2. The traveling party forms a kind of found family, each member contributing their unique skills and personality to overcome obstacles. How does the group’s dynamic reflect your own experiences with collaboration or friendship? Do you think their loyalty to one another is the story’s greatest strength? Why or why not?

3. Princess Ozma concludes the story by telling the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman that the only true riches are the “riches of content” (meaning contentment). What does this phrase mean to you? How does this moral find expression in today’s world?

4. Tip creates Jack Pumpkinhead as a simple prank but soon finds himself in the role of a “father,” responsible for Jack’s well-being. Think about a time you created something, whether a project, a piece of art, or even a plan. How did your relationship with your creation change over time, and what responsibilities came with it?

5. The story features several styles of leadership, from the Scarecrow’s thoughtful rule to General Jinjur’s chaotic command and Ozma’s just inheritance. Which leadership style did you find most interesting or effective, and why?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. General Jinjur’s Army of Revolt directly satirizes the sociopolitical climate surrounding the women’s suffrage movement of the early 1900s. How does Baum use stereotypes, like arming the soldiers with knitting needles and having them flee from mice, to comment on societal anxieties about women gaining power? Does this satire still feel relevant, or does it come across as dated today?

2. The novel presents a clear distinction between legitimate rule, based on Princess Ozma’s birthright, and power seized by force during General Jinjur’s coup. What does the story say about what makes a ruler legitimate? How do these ideas connect to broader discussions about political power and succession?

3. After Jinjur’s takeover, the men of the Emerald City are forced into domestic roles, a comical inversion of early 20th-century gender norms. What do you think this role-reversal was meant to communicate to readers at the time? How has our understanding of gender and domestic labor evolved since the book’s publication?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The Malleability of Identity is a central theme, most evident in Tip’s transformation into Ozma. How do other characters, like the Scarecrow being restuffed with money or the Woggle-Bug’s journey from insect to educated gentleman, expand on this theme? Does the novel ultimately suggest that identity is chosen, inherent, or a mix of both? 

2. What does the novel suggest about the nature of artificial life? Compare the consciousness of Jack Pumpkinhead, who fears spoiling, with the blunt utility of the Saw-Horse and the existential shame of the Gump. How do these portrayals of “made” beings compare to other famous examples in literature, such as Pinocchio?

3. The story is structured as a classic quest: A hero is displaced, gathers allies, overcomes magical obstacles, and returns to restore order. How does this familiar adventure framework allow Baum to explore more complex and unconventional ideas about gender and identity?

4. In Oz, magic often comes from specific items, like the Powder of Life or the Wishing Pills, which function almost like technology, with rules and limitations. What is the significance of this type of magic in the story? How does it differ from the innate magical abilities of characters like Mombi and Glinda?

5. The Scarecrow is known for his brains and the Tin Woodman for his heart, yet their actions and dialogue often reveal a blend of logic and emotion. How does Baum develop these static characters to keep them engaging? In what moments does each act against their defining trait?

6. How does the character of General Jinjur function as an antagonist? Does the novel present her as a villain, a misguided revolutionary, or a purely satirical figure? How does her army’s incompetence contrast with the power of Glinda’s all-female army?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine that you have a single dose of the Powder of Life and a collection of household objects. What sort of companion would you design and bring to life? What personality would you hope it has, and what purpose would it serve on an adventure in Oz?

2. The Gump expresses shame over its “conglomerate personality” and asks to be disassembled. If you could have a conversation with the Gump’s head after the events of the book, what would you ask it about its experience of being alive? What new, more suitable body could you design for it?

3. Imagine that you’re the new Public Educator of Oz, Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E. What would be the first lesson in your new curriculum for the citizens of the Emerald City? Create a brief lesson plan based on the book’s events and themes.