# VIII: The Deadly Poppy Field explained — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

> Chapter companion for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

The travelers cross a river on a raft, but the Scarecrow is left stranded on a pole in the middle. They continue along the riverbank and encounter a vast field of deadly poppies that puts Dorothy, Toto, and the Cowardly Lion to sleep. The Tin Woodman and Scarecrow carry Dorothy to safety, but the Lion is left behind. A Stork rescues the Scarecrow, and the group reunites, continuing their journey toward the Emerald City.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The Scarecrow and Tin Woodman carry Dorothy through the deadly poppy field despite the danger, and the Stork selflessly rescues the Scarecrow.

### The Journey as Growth

The group faces the poppy field as a new obstacle, testing their resolve and cooperation as they continue toward the Emerald City.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Falls asleep from the poppy scent; carried to safety by the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman.

### Tin Woodman

Helps carry Dorothy through the poppy field; expresses sadness about the Lion.

### Scarecrow

Rescued from the river by a Stork; helps carry Dorothy through the poppies.

### Cowardly Lion

Falls asleep in the poppy field and is left behind by the others.

### Toto

Falls asleep beside Dorothy in the poppy field.

### Stork

Rescues the Scarecrow from the river and returns him to the group.

## Key lines

> We must hurry and get back to the road of yellow brick before dark

We need to return to the yellow brick road quickly before nightfall.

_The Tin Woodman urges the group to keep moving despite Dorothy's drowsiness._

> If we leave her here she will die

She will die if we abandon her in this place.

_The Lion warns that Dorothy is in mortal danger from the poppy scent._

> We can do nothing for him; for he is much too heavy to lift. We must leave him here to sleep on forever

We cannot help him because he is too heavy to carry; he will have to sleep here forever.

_The Tin Woodman sadly acknowledges they cannot save the Lion from the poppies._

> I always like to help anyone in trouble. But I must go now, for my babies are waiting in the nest for me.

I enjoy aiding those in need, but I must return to my nest where my babies are waiting.

_The Stork explains her motivation for helping and her need to leave._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters/viii-the-deadly-poppy-field
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters