The Marvelous Land of Oz · Chapter
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft explained
The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, Sawhorse, and Woggle-Bug continue their journey to the Emerald City, aided by the Queen of the Field Mice.
What happens
The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, Sawhorse, and Woggle-Bug continue their journey to the Emerald City, aided by the Queen of the Field Mice. They overcome a series of magical illusions sent by Mombi—a phantom river, a granite wall, whirling roads, and a sheet of flame—by following the mouse queen, who reveals them as deceptions. Along the way, the Woggle-Bug's pedantic punning causes friction, but the party restores harmony. Upon reaching the city gates, the mouse queen bids them farewell.
Themes in this chapter
Wisdom vs. Knowledge
The Woggle-Bug's pedantic education is contrasted with the Scarecrow's practical wisdom in navigating Mombi's illusions.
Friendship and Loyalty
The Queen of the Field Mice selflessly guides the party, and the group's mutual support helps them overcome magical deceptions.
Transformation and Change
The Sawhorse's broken leg is repaired, and the travelers repeatedly adapt to shifting, illusory landscapes.
Characters to notice
- Scarecrow
Leads the group, carries twelve field mice hidden in his straw, and wisely interprets Mombi's illusions.
- Tin Woodman
Calls the Queen of the Field Mice with his silver whistle, reassures the party about the fire, and threatens the Woggle-Bug with his axe.
- Tip
Rests frequently as the only one who tires; defends the Sawhorse and Jack against the Woggle-Bug's pun.
- Jack Pumpkinhead
Fears being baked by the fire, and is puzzled by the Woggle-Bug's wordplay.
- Sawhorse
Limping after his leg is chopped down; snorts in derision at the Woggle-Bug's pun.
- Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug
Makes a pun about 'broken' horses, boasts about his education, and is rebuked by the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman.
- Mombi
Indulges in witchcraft, sending a series of deceptive obstacles to hinder the travelers.
Key passages
“All magic is unnatural, and for that reason is to be feared and avoided.”
Magic defies the natural order and should be treated with caution.
The Scarecrow's pragmatic view of magic as deceptive and dangerous.
“I have heard, my dear friend, that a person can become over-educated; and although I have a high respect for brains, no matter how they may be arranged or classified, I begin to suspect that yours are slightly tangled.”
Too much learning can muddle one's thinking; your brains seem disordered.
The Scarecrow gently criticizes the Woggle-Bug's pretentiousness.