The Road to Oz · Chapter
The Emerald City explained
Dorothy and her companions arrive at the Emerald City in Ozma's golden chariot, pulled by the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger.
What happens
Dorothy and her companions arrive at the Emerald City in Ozma's golden chariot, pulled by the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger. They are awed by the city's splendor and welcomed by Jellia Jamb, who informs them of Ozma's upcoming birthday celebration. The shaggy man feels out of place but is reassured, and the group prepares to meet Ozma.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Belonging
Dorothy feels at home in the Emerald City as a princess, contrasting with her Kansas life, while the shaggy man hopes Ozma will let him live there.
Community and Celebration
The city's inhabitants are happy and contented, and preparations for Ozma's birthday celebration are underway.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy
Leads the group into the Emerald City, greets Jellia Jamb, and explains her dual life as a princess in Oz and a country girl in Kansas.
- Button-Bright
Initially fearful of the Lion and Tiger but soon delighted; rides in the chariot and is amazed by the Emerald City.
- Polychrome
Rides in the chariot, exclaims at the city's beauty, and is escorted to her apartments by Jellia Jamb.
- Shaggy Man
Astounded by the Emerald City, feels out of place among the splendor but is reassured by Dorothy.
- Tin Woodman
Greets the Lion and Tiger, explains the work ethic in Oz, and goes to remove dust from his body.
- Jellia Jamb
Ozma's favorite attendant, welcomes the visitors and informs them of Ozma's birthday celebration.
Key passages
“Button-Bright yelled with fear when Dorothy first took his hand and led him toward the great beasts; but the girl insisted they were kind and good, and so the boy mustered up courage enough to pat their heads”
Button-Bright was initially terrified of the Lion and Tiger, but Dorothy's reassurance helped him overcome his fear and pet them.
Shows Button-Bright's trust in Dorothy and the gentle nature of the beasts.
“the shaggy man was fairly astounded at what he saw, for the graceful and handsome buildings were covered with plates of gold and set with emeralds so splendid and valuable that in any other part of the world any one of them would have been worth a fortune to its owner”
The shaggy man was amazed by the gold and emerald-covered buildings, which would be priceless elsewhere.
Highlights the extraordinary wealth and beauty of the Emerald City.
“But no one works more than half his time, and the people of Oz enjoy their labors as much as they do their play.”
The people of Oz work only half the day and find joy in both work and leisure.
Reflects the balanced and happy lifestyle in Oz.