The Rainbow's Daughter explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Journey and Discovery

  The travelers meet Polychrome, a new and wondrous companion, as they continue their quest toward the Emerald City.

• Friendship and Loyalty

  Dorothy immediately befriends Polychrome, offering comfort and a promise to help her find a way home.

• Magic and Wonder

  Polychrome's origin as the Rainbow's Daughter and her graceful dancing introduce a magical, ethereal element to the journey.

Characters to notice

• Dorothy

  Leads the group and comforts Polychrome, offering friendship and guidance.

• Shaggy Man

  Travels with Dorothy and listens with wonder to Polychrome's story.

• Button-Bright

  Present but still transformed with a fox head; Dorothy notes his good nature.

• Toto

  Glad to be free, he runs about and befriends Polychrome.

• Polychrome

  The Rainbow's Daughter, lost and afraid, joins the group for warmth and companionship.

Key passages

• “I’m Polychrome. I’m the Daughter of the Rainbow.”

  Polychrome introduces herself as the Rainbow's Daughter.

  Reveals her magical identity to the group.

• “I was dancing upon the pretty rays, as I love to do, and never noticed I was getting too far over the bend in the circle. Suddenly I began to slide, and I went faster and faster until at last I bumped on the ground, at the very end.”

  Polychrome explains how she slipped off the rainbow and became stranded on the road.

  Describes the accident that left her lost.

• “Come with us. I’m going to try to find my way to the Emerald City, which is in the fairy Land of Oz. The Emerald City is ruled by a friend of mine, the Princess Ozma, and if we can manage to get there I’m sure she will know a way to send you home to your father again.”

  Dorothy invites Polychrome to join their journey to the Emerald City, promising help from Princess Ozma.

  Dorothy extends friendship and offers a plan to reunite Polychrome with her father.