# The Trial of Eureka the Kitten explained — Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz

> Chapter companion for Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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