The Marvelous Land of Oz · Chapter
The Riches of Content explained
After the revelation of Tip's true identity as Princess Ozma, the new queen takes the throne of the Emerald City.
What happens
After the revelation of Tip's true identity as Princess Ozma, the new queen takes the throne of the Emerald City. Jinjur initially defies Glinda and Ozma, but the Gump flies over the city walls to capture her, ending the war. Ozma rules wisely with advice from Glinda and the Woggle-Bug. The Gump is dismantled at its own request, the Sawhorse is cared for, Jack Pumpkinhead remains with Ozma, and the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman return to the Winkie Kingdom, reflecting on the true riches of contentment.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Legitimacy
Ozma's rightful claim to the throne is established through Glinda's revelation and the defeat of the usurper Jinjur, emphasizing legitimate rule over conquest.
Gender Roles and Rebellion
Jinjur's revolt and subsequent defeat highlight the challenge to traditional gender roles, but the restoration of domestic harmony suggests a conservative resolution.
Wisdom vs. Knowledge
The Scarecrow and Tin Woodman debate the relative merits of brains, money, and heart, concluding that contentment is the truest wealth.
Characters to notice
- Princess Ozma
Now the rightful queen, she rules with wisdom and justice, advised by Glinda and the Woggle-Bug.
- General Jinjur
Former queen who defies Ozma and Glinda, is captured by the Gump, and later released on good behavior.
- Gump
The flying creature requests to be taken apart after its service; its head continues to talk from the mantelpiece.
- Scarecrow
Returns to the Winkie Kingdom with the Tin Woodman, appointed Royal Treasurer, and values brains above money.
- Tin Woodman
Returns to rule the Winkies, plans a new coat of nickel plate, and values a good heart above all.
- Jack Pumpkinhead
Stays with Ozma for life, remains stupid despite the Woggle-Bug's attempts to educate him.
- Sawhorse
Ozma's personal property, cared for and ridden through the city with golden shoes.
- Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug
Appointed Public Educator, helps Ozma with royal duties.
Key passages
“The Riches of Content”
True wealth lies in being satisfied with what one has.
The chapter's title and closing sentiment, emphasizing inner contentment over material riches.
“I consider brains far superior to money, in every way. You may have noticed that if one has money without brains, he cannot use it to advantage; but if one has brains without money, they will enable him to live comfortably to the end of his days.”
Brains are more valuable than money because intelligence allows you to use resources wisely, while money without intelligence is useless.
The Scarecrow's argument for the primacy of intellect over wealth.
“you must acknowledge that a good heart is a thing that brains can not create, and that money can not buy. Perhaps, after all, it is I who am the richest man in all the world.”
A kind heart is more precious than intelligence or wealth, as it cannot be manufactured or purchased.
The Tin Woodman's counterpoint, valuing emotional goodness over intellect or riches.
“You are both rich, my friends; and your riches are the only riches worth having—the riches of content!”
Both of you possess the only wealth that truly matters: contentment.
Ozma's wise conclusion, reconciling the debate by highlighting inner satisfaction as the ultimate treasure.
