Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz · Chapter
The Trial of Eureka the Kitten explained
After several days of celebration, Ozma discovers her white piglet is missing and suspects Dorothy's kitten Eureka of eating it.
What happens
After several days of celebration, Ozma discovers her white piglet is missing and suspects Dorothy's kitten Eureka of eating it. Eureka is arrested and a trial is arranged, with Ozma as judge, the Tin Woodman as defender, and the Woggle-Bug as accuser. The Wizard, wanting to save Eureka and spare Dorothy's feelings, secretly gives the Tin Woodman a replacement piglet to produce if the jury finds Eureka guilty.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Fair Trial
Ozma insists on a fair trial for Eureka, appointing a defender and accuser, and convening a jury of animals and people.
Friendship and Loyalty
Dorothy's distress over Eureka's fate and the Wizard's trick to save the kitten demonstrate loyalty to friends.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy Gale
Distressed by the accusation against her kitten Eureka and weeps when Eureka is taken to prison.
- Princess Ozma
Angry and indignant over the missing piglet; she orders Eureka's arrest and organizes a fair trial.
- Eureka the Kitten
Accused of eating the piglet; defiant and uncooperative, she is taken to prison.
- The Wizard
Thoughtful and determined to save Eureka; he devises a trick by giving the Tin Woodman a replacement piglet.
- The Tin Woodman
Appointed as Eureka's defender; reluctantly agrees to the Wizard's plan to hide a replacement piglet.
- Jellia Jamb
Ozma's maid who discovers the piglet missing and reports seeing Eureka run out of the room.
Key passages
“I will summon the Court to meet in the Throne Room at three o’clock. I myself will be the judge, and the kitten shall have a fair trial.”
Ozma announces that a court will convene at three o'clock in the Throne Room, with herself as judge, to ensure Eureka receives a fair trial.
Ozma establishes the legal proceedings for the trial.
“I do not like to deceive my friends; still, my kind heart urges me to save Eureka’s life, and I can usually trust my heart to do the right thing.”
The Tin Woodman expresses reluctance to trick his friends but agrees because his kind heart compels him to save Eureka.
The Tin Woodman's internal conflict between honesty and compassion.