Ozma of Oz · Chapter
Purple, Green, and Gold explained
Billina, the yellow hen, uses her knowledge of the Nome King's transformations to restore the Queen of Ev and her children, as well as the people of Oz, by correctly identifying the purple and green ornaments.
What happens
Billina, the yellow hen, uses her knowledge of the Nome King's transformations to restore the Queen of Ev and her children, as well as the people of Oz, by correctly identifying the purple and green ornaments. She frees Ozma, the Scarecrow, and Tik-Tok, but the Tin Woodman remains missing. The group confronts the Nome King, who has assembled his army in anger.
Themes in this chapter
Resourcefulness and Cleverness
Billina's sharp observation and memory of the Nome King's secret allow her to reverse the enchantments and free the captives.
Good Versus Evil
The Nome King's deceitful trap is overcome by the cleverness of the yellow hen, highlighting the triumph of good over malicious magic.
Identity and Transformation
Multiple characters are transformed into ornaments and grasshoppers, then restored to their true forms, emphasizing the theme of hidden identity.
Characters to notice
- Billina
Cleverly disenchants the royal family of Ev and the Ozians by identifying the transformed ornaments.
- Queen of Ev
Restored from a purple footstool; joyfully reunited with her children.
- Ozma
Found as a green grasshopper and restored; assists in searching for the Tin Woodman.
- Scarecrow
Transformed into a solid gold ornament; restored and joins the group.
- Tik-Tok
Also transformed into a gold ornament; restored and comments on the King's dishonesty.
- Nome King
Sits on his throne surrounded by his army, enraged at the group's escape.
- Tin Woodman
Missing; cannot be found among the ornaments, prompting a search.
- Prince Evring
Mentioned as having been rescued earlier by Dorothy; his siblings are now restored.
Key passages
“I guess!” Then she disenchanted another girl, whom the Queen addressed as Evrose, and afterwards a boy named Evardo, who was older than his brother Evring.”
Billina successfully restored another princess and then a prince named Evardo, who was older than Evring.
Billina continues to reverse the Nome King's enchantments on the royal children.
““Now,” said Billina, “I must find Ozma. She is sure to be here, somewhere, and of course she is green, being from Oz. So look around, you stupid soldiers, and help me in my search.””
Billina declares that Ozma must be among the green ornaments and orders the soldiers to help find her.
Billina uses logic to locate Ozma based on her origin.
““Only one thing can be done,” said Ozma, at last, “and that is to return to the Nome King and oblige him to tell us what has become of our friend.””
Ozma decides they must confront the Nome King to learn the Tin Woodman's fate.
Ozma takes charge of the search for the missing Tin Woodman.