The Wonderful Wizard of Oz · Chapter
The Cyclone explained
Dorothy lives on the gray Kansas prairie with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em.
What happens
Dorothy lives on the gray Kansas prairie with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. When a cyclone approaches, she is unable to reach the cellar in time and is carried away in the house, along with her dog Toto. After an initial fright, she calms herself and falls asleep as the house is swept through the sky.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Belonging
The small, gray house on the prairie is Dorothy's home, but it is lifted away by the cyclone, setting the stage for her journey to find a new sense of belonging.
The Journey as Growth
The cyclone initiates Dorothy's unexpected journey, forcing her to adapt and remain calm in the face of the unknown, marking the beginning of her growth.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy
The protagonist, an orphan living with her aunt and uncle on the Kansas prairie. She is carried away by the cyclone while trying to reach the cellar.
- Toto
Dorothy's little black dog, who hides under the bed during the cyclone and is rescued by Dorothy from the open trap door.
- Aunt Em
Dorothy's aunt, who has become gray and solemn from the harsh prairie life. She urges Dorothy to run for the cellar and climbs down herself.
- Uncle Henry
Dorothy's uncle, a hardworking farmer who goes to look after the stock when the cyclone approaches.
Key passages
“When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side.”
From the doorway, Dorothy saw only the vast, gray prairie stretching in all directions.
Establishes the bleak, monotonous setting of Kansas.
“The house whirled around two or three times and rose slowly through the air. Dorothy felt as if she were going up in a balloon.”
The house spun a few times and then lifted gently into the sky, making Dorothy feel like she was ascending in a balloon.
Describes the surreal sensation of the house being lifted by the cyclone.
“In spite of the swaying of the house and the wailing of the wind, Dorothy soon closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.”
Despite the house's rocking and the wind's howling, Dorothy quickly fell asleep.
Shows Dorothy's ability to find calm and rest even in the midst of chaos.