# IV: Tiktok the Machine Man explained — Ozma of Oz

> Chapter companion for Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

Dorothy and Billina discover a hidden path on the hill, leading to a rock door that Dorothy unlocks with the golden key she found on the shore. Inside, they find a copper mechanical man named Tiktok, who explains he was made by Smith & Tinker, imprisoned by the cruel King Evoldo, and abandoned after the king sold his family to the Nome King and drowned himself. Dorothy winds up Tiktok's mechanisms, and he becomes her obedient servant.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resourcefulness and Cleverness

Dorothy and Billina use observation and the golden key to discover and unlock the hidden chamber, demonstrating clever problem-solving.

### Magic and Wonder

The discovery of Tiktok, a mechanical man from a fairy land, and the story of King Evoldo's magical transformation of his family highlight the wondrous elements of Ev.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy Gale

Discovers the hidden path and rock door, unlocks it with the golden key, and winds up Tiktok, making him her servant.

### Billina

Sharp-eyed hen who spots the crack in the rock and suggests using the golden key; later comments on Tiktok's mechanisms.

### Tik-Tok

Copper mechanical man found imprisoned in the rock; explains his origin and becomes Dorothy's servant after being wound up.

## Key lines

> After an hour or so most of the band of Wheelers rolled back into the forest, leaving only three of their number to guard the hill.

Most of the Wheelers left after about an hour, leaving just three to watch the hill.

_Sets the scene for Dorothy and Billina's exploration._

> Why, here's a path!

Billina discovers a path among the rocks.

_Billina's sharp eyes spot the hidden path._

> It looks something like a door, doesn't it?

Billina suggests the crack in the rock resembles a door.

_Billina's observation leads to the discovery of the hidden chamber._

> Good gracious!

Dorothy exclaims in surprise.

_Dorothy's reaction to seeing the copper man._

> I knew a man made out of tin, who was a woodman named Nick Chopper.

Dorothy recalls the Tin Woodman from Oz.

_Dorothy compares Tiktok to the Tin Woodman._

> Smith & Tinker's Patent Double-Action, Extra-Responsive, Thought-Creating, Perfect-Talking Mechanical Man

The card describes Tiktok as a patented mechanical man that thinks, speaks, and acts.

_The card explains Tiktok's functions._

> From this time forth I am your o-be-di-ent ser-vant.

Tiktok declares himself Dorothy's servant.

_Tiktok pledges loyalty to Dorothy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se/chapters/iv-tiktok-the-machine-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se/chapters