The Flight of the Fugitives explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Identity and Self-Discovery

  Tip asserts his own will by running away, rejecting Mombi's plan to turn him into a statue, and begins to explore his own origins and purpose.

• Creation and Artificial Life

  Tip is the creator of Jack Pumpkinhead, and their relationship as father/son or inventor/creation is explored.

• Friendship and Loyalty

  Tip refuses to leave Jack behind, showing loyalty to his creation, and they set off together as companions.

Characters to notice

• Tip

  Decides to run away from Mombi to avoid being turned into a statue; takes the Powder of Life and frees Jack Pumpkinhead.

• Mombi

  The old witch who plans to turn Tip into a marble statue; she is asleep when Tip escapes.

• Jack Pumpkinhead

  Created by Tip and brought to life by Mombi; he joins Tip on the journey and calls Tip his 'father' or 'creator.'

• Scarecrow

  Mentioned as the ruler of the Emerald City and a friend of Dorothy.

• Tin Woodman

  Mentioned as the ruler of the Winkies and a companion of Dorothy.

• Glinda

  Mentioned as the ruler of the Quadlings who sent Dorothy home.

Key passages

• “It's a hard thing, to be a marble statue, and I'm not going to stand it.”

  Tip decides he would rather run away than be turned into a statue by Mombi.

  Tip's rebellion against Mombi's plan.

• “I don't like to leave Jack Pumpkinhead to the tender mercies of old Mombi.”

  Tip feels responsible for Jack and decides to take him along.

  Tip's loyalty to his creation.

• “Then I owe you obedience, and you owe me—support.”

  Jack acknowledges Tip as his creator and agrees to follow him.

  The father-son dynamic between Tip and Jack.