The Marvelous Land of Oz · Chapter
The Scarecrow Plans an Escape explained
Tip slips away from the girls and follows the Soldier with the Green Whiskers to the palace, where the Scarecrow and Jack Pumpkinhead are playing quoits.
What happens
Tip slips away from the girls and follows the Soldier with the Green Whiskers to the palace, where the Scarecrow and Jack Pumpkinhead are playing quoits. The Soldier announces that the Emerald City has been conquered by General Jinjur's army of girls. The Scarecrow, Tip, and Jack plan an escape to the Tin Woodman's domain. They retrieve the Sawhorse from the treasury, tie themselves together, and make a daring dash through the city gates, knocking over guards and citizens before crossing a river.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Legitimacy
The Scarecrow's throne is overthrown by Jinjur's army, highlighting the fragility of power and the question of rightful rule.
Friendship and Loyalty
The Scarecrow, Tip, and Jack work together to escape, showing loyalty and mutual support in the face of danger.
Transformation and Change
The Scarecrow loses his throne and must adapt to a new role as a fugitive, while the Sawhorse transforms from a treasury item to a means of escape.
Characters to notice
- Tip
Sneaks away from the girls and reaches the palace ahead of the invaders; helps plan the escape and rides the Sawhorse.
- Scarecrow
The deposed King of the Emerald City; remains calm under threat, devises the escape plan, and rides the Sawhorse to the Tin Woodman.
- Jack Pumpkinhead
Fears spoiling if captured; rides the Sawhorse with the others, holding his pumpkin head steady.
- Sawhorse
The wooden horse locked in the treasury; carries the three escapees on a wild run through the city and across a river.
- General Jinjur
Leader of the invading army of girls; her forces surround the palace and appoint a new Guardian of the Gate.
- Guardian of the Gate
A fussy little fat woman appointed by Jinjur; is bowled over by the Sawhorse during the escape.
- Soldier with the Green Whiskers
The Royal Army of Oz; brings news of the conquest, helps tie the riders to the Sawhorse, and is left behind.
Key passages
“The Scarecrow sighed. 'In an emergency,' he announced, 'it is always a good thing to pause and reflect. Please excuse me while I pause and reflect.'”
The Scarecrow sighed and said that when there's a crisis, it's wise to stop and think, asking for a moment to do so.
Shows the Scarecrow's characteristic reliance on thought over panic.
“But should I remain here a prisoner for any length of time,' protested Jack, 'I'm liable to spoil.'”
Jack worried that if he were held captive for long, he would rot.
Highlights Jack's unique vulnerability as a pumpkin-headed being.
“As for the Sawhorse, he made a wonderful record upsetting a fruit cart, overturning several meek looking men, and finally bowling over the new Guardian of the Gate—a fussy little fat woman appointed by General Jinjur.”
The Sawhorse caused chaos by knocking over a fruit cart, several mild-mannered men, and the new gatekeeper, a plump woman chosen by Jinjur.
Describes the Sawhorse's wild and effective escape run.
