The Wonderful Wizard of Oz · Chapter
The Rescue explained
Dorothy frees the Cowardly Lion and the Winkies from the Wicked Witch's tyranny.
What happens
Dorothy frees the Cowardly Lion and the Winkies from the Wicked Witch's tyranny. With the Winkies' help, she rescues and repairs the Tin Woodman and restores the Scarecrow. Reunited, the friends prepare to return to the Emerald City to claim Oz's promises, receiving gifts from the grateful Winkies.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Dorothy and her friends work together to rescue each other, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and the strength of their bond.
The Value of Ordinary Qualities
The Winkies' practical skills (tinsmithing, goldsmithing) are essential for restoring the Tin Woodman and Scarecrow, highlighting the worth of everyday abilities.
Home and Belonging
Dorothy's longing for Kansas and Aunt Em drives the group's decision to return to the Emerald City, emphasizing her desire for home.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy
Leads the rescue of the Lion, Tin Woodman, and Scarecrow; frees the Winkies; decides to return to the Emerald City.
- Cowardly Lion
Freed from prison; helps plan the rescue; expresses desire for courage.
- Tin Woodman
Found battered and bent; repaired by Winkie tinsmiths; rejoins the group seeking his heart.
- Scarecrow
Rescued from the tree; restuffed with clean straw; joyfully anticipates receiving brains.
- Toto
Given a golden collar by the Winkies.
- Wicked Witch of the West
Mentioned as having been melted by Dorothy; her tyranny over the Winkies ends.
Key passages
“The Cowardly Lion was much pleased to hear that the Wicked Witch had been melted by a bucket of water, and Dorothy at once unlocked the gate of his prison and set him free.”
The Lion was delighted to learn the Witch was gone, and Dorothy immediately freed him.
Dorothy's first act after the Witch's defeat is to release the Lion.
“They kept this day as a holiday, then and ever after, and spent the time in feasting and dancing.”
The Winkies celebrated their liberation with a feast and dance, making it an annual holiday.
The Winkies' joy at being freed from slavery.
“The tinsmiths looked the Woodman over carefully and then answered that they thought they could mend him so he would be as good as ever.”
After examining the Tin Woodman, the tinsmiths believed they could restore him completely.
The Winkies' skill in repairing the Tin Woodman.
“Dorothy picked them up and had the Winkies carry them back to the castle, where they were stuffed with nice, clean straw; and behold! here was the Scarecrow, as good as ever, thanking them over and over again for saving him.”
Dorothy collected the Scarecrow's clothes and had them refilled with fresh straw, restoring him to his former self.
The Scarecrow's rescue and restoration.
“The Winkies were sorry to have them go, and they had grown so fond of the Tin Woodman that they begged him to stay and rule over them and the Yellow Land of the West.”
The Winkies, sad to see them leave, asked the Tin Woodman to remain as their ruler.
The Winkies' affection for the Tin Woodman.
