The Wonderful Wizard of Oz · Chapter
The Lion Becomes the King of Beasts explained
After leaving the china wall, Dorothy and her companions traverse a marshy, wild forest.
What happens
After leaving the china wall, Dorothy and her companions traverse a marshy, wild forest. The Lion expresses his love for the forest, and they encounter a gathering of animals threatened by a giant spider-like monster. The Lion defeats the monster and is crowned King of the Beasts, promising to return to rule after Dorothy reaches Kansas.
Themes in this chapter
The Journey as Growth
The Lion's journey culminates in his transformation from a coward to a confident leader, defeating the monster and accepting the role of king.
Friendship and Loyalty
The Lion bids his comrades goodbye but promises to return to rule after ensuring Dorothy's safe journey, showing his loyalty to his friends.
Characters to notice
- Cowardly Lion
Finds the forest delightful, defeats the giant spider monster, and is crowned King of the Beasts.
- Dorothy
Travels with the group through the forest and is initially afraid of the gathered animals.
- Scarecrow
Finds the forest gloomy and keeps watch with the Tin Woodman.
- Tin Woodman
Keeps watch over the group during the night.
- Toto
Whimpers at the growling of wild animals but is not frightened.
Key passages
“This forest is perfectly delightful, Never have I seen a more beautiful place.”
The Lion expresses his joy and admiration for the forest, calling it the most beautiful place he has ever seen.
Highlights the Lion's newfound appreciation for nature and his desire to live there.
“If I put an end to your enemy, will you bow down to me and obey me as King of the Forest?”
The Lion negotiates with the animals, offering to defeat the monster in exchange for being recognized as their king.
Shows the Lion's emerging confidence and leadership.
“Then the beasts bowed down to the Lion as their King, and he promised to come back and rule over them as soon as Dorothy was safely on her way to Kansas.”
The animals accept the Lion as their king, and he pledges to return to rule after ensuring Dorothy's safe return home.
Demonstrates the Lion's commitment to his friends and his new role as king.