# How the Balloon Was Launched explained — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

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

## What happens

Oz devises a plan to build a hot air balloon to carry Dorothy and himself across the desert, but when the balloon is ready and he ascends, Dorothy is left behind because she cannot find Toto in time. Oz appoints the Scarecrow as ruler of the Emerald City and departs alone, leaving the people to mourn his loss.

## Themes in this chapter

### Home and Belonging

Dorothy's longing for Kansas drives the chapter's central conflict, and her failure to board the balloon underscores her deep desire to return home.

### The Illusion of Power and Authority

Oz admits he is a humbug and escapes to avoid being discovered, leaving the Scarecrow as a figurehead ruler.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Dorothy's refusal to leave without Toto demonstrates her loyalty, even at the cost of missing her chance to go with Oz.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Longs to return to Kansas; helps sew the balloon; is left behind when she stops to find Toto.

### Oz

Reveals his plan to escape in a balloon; admits he is a humbug; departs alone, appointing the Scarecrow as ruler.

### Scarecrow

Is content with his new brains; is appointed by Oz to rule the Emerald City in his absence.

### Tin Woodman

Feels his heart rattling and believes it is kinder than his original flesh heart; chops wood for the balloon's fire.

### Cowardly Lion

Declares he is afraid of nothing and would face an army or Kalidahs.

### Toto

Runs into the crowd to bark at a kitten, causing Dorothy to be left behind.

## Key lines

> The Scarecrow told them there were wonderful thoughts in his head; but he would not say what they were because he knew no one could understand them but himself.

The Scarecrow hinted at brilliant ideas in his mind but kept them secret, believing only he could grasp them.

_Highlights the Scarecrow's newfound confidence in his brains._

> The Tin Woodman walked about he felt his heart rattling around in his breast; and he told Dorothy he had discovered it to be a kinder and more tender heart than the one he had owned when he was made of flesh.

The Tin Woodman noticed his heart moving inside him and claimed it was gentler than his original flesh heart.

_Shows the Tin Woodman's satisfaction with his new heart._

> The Lion declared he was afraid of nothing on earth, and would gladly face an army or a dozen of the fierce Kalidahs.

The Lion boasted that he feared nothing and would willingly confront an army or a group of the dangerous Kalidahs.

_Illustrates the Lion's newfound courage._

> I am tired of being such a humbug. If I should go out of this Palace my people would soon discover I am not a Wizard, and then they would be vexed with me for having deceived them.

Oz confessed he was weary of pretending to be a wizard and feared his subjects would resent his deception if they found out.

_Reveals Oz's desire to escape his false identity._

> I can't find Toto anywhere... Come back! I want to go, too!

Dorothy frantically searched for Toto and cried out for Oz to return as the balloon ascended without her.

_Emphasizes Dorothy's desperation and her bond with Toto._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters/xvii-how-the-balloon-was-launched
- 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