# Dorothy Receives the Guests explained — The Road to Oz

> Chapter companion for The Road to Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

Dorothy hosts a breakfast for her traveling companions, then receives guests in the Throne-Room on behalf of Ozma. The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion, Hungry Tiger, and others gather. Distinguished visitors arrive, including King John Dough, Chick the Cherub, and Para Bruin, bringing birthday gifts for Ozma.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Celebration

The chapter centers on gathering friends and foreign guests for Ozma's birthday festivities.

### Hospitality and Generosity

Dorothy warmly receives and introduces each guest, and gifts are presented for Ozma.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Hosts breakfast and receives guests in Ozma's place.

### Button-Bright

Joins breakfast and explains his name to the Scarecrow.

### Shaggy Man

Joins breakfast and stands behind the throne.

### Polychrome

Invited to breakfast and sits beside Dorothy in the Throne-Room.

### Scarecrow

Arrives on a Sawhorse, newly painted, and stands at the left of the throne.

### Tin Woodman

Stands at the right of the throne to help receive company.

## Key lines

> Next morning Dorothy’s breakfast was served in her own pretty sitting room, and she sent to invite Polly and the shaggy man to join her and Button-Bright at the meal.

Dorothy had breakfast in her sitting room and invited Polychrome, the Shaggy Man, and Button-Bright to join her.

_Reunites the traveling party._

> ‘Why, your face has been newly painted!’ exclaimed Dorothy, when the first greetings were over.

Dorothy noticed the Scarecrow's fresh paint.

_The Scarecrow had his complexion touched up._

> ‘Don’t know,’ said Button-Bright.

Button-Bright repeatedly answered 'Don't know' to questions about his name, home, and mother.

_Highlights Button-Bright's characteristic vagueness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters/xxi-dorothy-receives-the-guests
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters