Jack Pumpkinhead's Ride to the Emerald City explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Friendship and Loyalty

  Tip's concern for Jack and the Sawhorse, and their reliance on each other during the journey.

• Transformation and Change

  The landscape shifts from purple to green as they near the Emerald City, signaling a change in environment and status.

Characters to notice

• Tip

  Awakens at daybreak, leads the journey, crosses the river on the Sawhorse, but is left behind when the horse runs off.

• Jack Pumpkinhead

  Rides the Sawhorse to the Emerald City, arrives alone, and is escorted to the Scarecrow's throne room.

• Sawhorse

  Swims across the river, runs at top speed carrying Jack, and arrives at the Emerald City gates.

• Scarecrow

  Ruler of the Emerald City; Jack is brought to his throne room.

• Guardian of the Gate

  Greets Jack at the gate, questions him, and summons the Soldier with the Green Whiskers.

Key passages

• “Tip was awakened by the Pumpkinhead. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, bathed in a little brook, and then ate a portion of his bread and cheese.”

  Tip woke up, washed in a stream, and had some breakfast.

  Start of the day's journey.

• “The Sawhorse at once began to wiggle its legs, which acted as oars and moved the adventurers slowly across the river to the opposite side.”

  The Sawhorse swam across the river by moving its legs like oars.

  Crossing the river.

• “The horse started at a good pace, and Tip followed behind. Then he decided they could go faster, so he shouted: 'Trot!'”

  Tip told the horse to go faster, and it sped up.

  Tip commands the Sawhorse to trot.

• “I am the Guardian of the Gates of the Emerald City. May I inquire who you are, and what is your business?”

  The gatekeeper asked Jack who he was and why he had come.

  Jack meets the Guardian.

• “My name is Jack Pumpkinhead, but as to my business, I haven't the least idea in the world what it is.”

  Jack said he didn't know why he was there.

  Jack's confusion about his purpose.