Wizard Of Oz - The Feminist Version

The Wizard Of Oz

By: Michaela Blaser

For: Mr. Murray

ENG4UE-02

October 28, 2008

The Wizard of Oz is a movie that is based on the journey of a schoolgirl, Dorothy Gale, from her home in Kansas to the magical world of Oz. Even though this film is about a female, The Wizard of Oz contains several aspects that relate more to the male standpoint (not to mention body) than that of the female. This is a French Feminist view, in which all aspects of a piece of art are viewed as relating directly back to men and their hypothetical dominance. If you watch closely, The Wizard of Oz is more dominantly masculine-based than feminine-based, and that is only through observance of Glinda’s tool, Dorothy’s reliance on men, and not to mention the shape of her destination.

Let us take a look at this wonderful tool of the Witch of the North. Not only is Glinda’s tool in the form of a penis, but it is magic too. Now what male would not want a magic stick, let alone stop talking about already having one? That Glinda uses a slender, pointy wand as her means of power is a direct stab at women. If you take the French Feminist view of the wand being a phallus, Glinda’s whole role in the movie is to pass on the power of male. If you look past her general appearance of a harlot that constantly has a penis in her hand, you begin to realize that all the power she has “comes” from this erect object. Being at the complete service of an object of male control would not be taken lightly by any feminist.

If the French Feminists weren’t pissed already, they would be now. Throughout The Wizard of Oz, we are made to believe that this journey is that of an innocent schoolgirl that is merely lost “somewhere over the rainbow” (Langley). At first glance, Dorothy is also seen as being kind enough to help others achieve their own personal quests.

LION: I haven't any courage at all. I even scare myself. Look at the circles under my eyes.

[…]

LION: I haven't slept in weeks.

TIN MAN: Why don't you try counting sheep?

LION: That doesn't do any good -- I'm afraid of 'em.

SCARECROW: Oh, that's too bad. Don't you think the Wizard could help him, too?

DOROTHY: I don't see why not. Why don't you come along with us? We're on our way to see the Wizard now. To get him a heart.

TIN MAN: And him a brain.

DOROTHY: I'm sure he could give you some courage.

(Langley)

At second glance, it becomes pretty obvious who is helping who. As the journey progresses, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are those who lead the journey and end up assisting Dorothy instead of the other way around. An example of this occurs when the Wicked Witch of the West appears in Emerald City and writes a message in the sky that is directed to Dorothy and asks her to surrender.

DOROTHY: Dear, whatever shall we do?

SCARECROW: Well, we'd better hurry if we're going to see the Wizard!

(Langley)

This quote makes it seem as if Dorothy, a female, would need to rely on not one, not two, but three males. That she relies on these three males in Oz directly relates to her reliance on the males at home in Kansas, that aide her in every way they possibly can.

Now, what about this grand destination that Dorothy has attempted to get to throughout the movie? Emerald City, the end of her journey (or so she believes) and the ticket home, is the palace of the great and almighty Wizard of Oz. First, let us look at Emerald City: built as several erect towers, growing larger in height as you move to the center of the city. And is it even necessary to mention that all these towers are not pointy at the end, but round. If you look closely at Emerald City, you might also notice that the smaller towers to the front and to the side of the city structure are quite shorter and rounder. Phallus anyone?

DOROTHY: It's beautiful, isn't it?  Just like I knew it would be.  He really must be a
wonderful Wizard to live in a City like that!

LION: Well, come on, then.  What are we waiting for?

SCARECROW: Nothing!  Let's hurry!

DOROTHY: Yes -- let's run!

LION: Yes.

SCARECROW: Come on -- come on --

TIN MAN: Hurry -- hurry --

SCARECROW: Oh!  Oh, come on, come on!

TIN MAN: Look -- you can see it here.  It's wonderful!

SCARECROW: Emerald City!

(Langley)

If you were to over-analyze this quote, as anyone studying French Feminism would do in order to identify the various sexist bits and pieces, you would wonder why Dorothy thinks this huge phallic-shaped building is so “beautiful”, and why they are all so eager to get to Emerald City, saying “Hurry – hurry – Oh, come on, come on!” (Langley). Now, if this is not some sick joke, it could easily be considered a flat out stab at women and their supposed eagerness of the male phallus. Secondly, that the solution to all her problems lies with a wizard (read: MALE) is just another stab at women and their standing. The Wizard of Oz is yet another male that Dorothy runs to for aide, and yet another typical figure that happens to be the “great male provider” to all. And if her dependence on male figures was not enough, Oz demands work of Dorothy to prove herself worthy enough of his help.

OZ'S VOICE: But first, you must prove yourselves worthy by performing
a very small task […] bring me the broomstick of the Witch... of the West

TIN MAN: B-B-B-B-B-But if we do that, we'll have to kill her to get it!

OZ'S VOICE: Bring me her broomstick, and I'll grant your requests. Now, go!

LION: But -- but what if she kills us first?

OZ'S VOICE: ... I ... said, -Go!

(Langley)

If this is not a direct stab to a female's standing, I don't know what is. To deliberately showcase
a female having to prove themselves to a male is a sexist act that any New French Feminist
would antagonize over.

 In conclusion, The Wizard of Oz does quite well in showing examples of New French Feminist
Criticism, by providing a penis-hungry "good" witch, several male figures (including one of great
authority), and a great phallic city.



Bibliography:
Langley, Noel. "The Wizard of Oz - Movie Script." Scifiscripts. 28 Oct 2008
 .