The Wonderful Wizard of Oz · Chapter
Glinda the Good Witch Grants Dorothy's Wish explained
Dorothy and her companions present themselves to Glinda, who reveals the power of the Silver Shoes to return Dorothy to Kansas.
What happens
Dorothy and her companions present themselves to Glinda, who reveals the power of the Silver Shoes to return Dorothy to Kansas. Glinda uses the Golden Cap to grant the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion their wishes to rule their respective lands, then Dorothy bids farewell and uses the shoes to return home, losing them in the desert.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Belonging
Dorothy's primary wish is to return to Kansas and her family, and the chapter resolves her journey home.
Self-Discovery and Fulfillment
Each companion reflects on how their journey gave them what they truly desired—brains, heart, courage, and a sense of purpose.
Friendship and Loyalty
The emotional farewells and mutual gratitude highlight the deep bonds formed among Dorothy and her friends.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy
Dorothy washes up, tells her story to Glinda, and learns the Silver Shoes can take her home. She bids an emotional farewell to her friends and returns to Kansas.
- Glinda
Glinda the Good Witch receives Dorothy, explains the power of the Silver Shoes, and uses the Golden Cap to arrange the futures of the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion.
- Scarecrow
The Scarecrow decides to return to the Emerald City as its ruler, and Glinda promises to send him there via the Winged Monkeys.
- Tin Woodman
The Tin Woodman wishes to rule the Winkies, and Glinda arranges for the Winged Monkeys to carry him to the West.
- Cowardly Lion
The Lion desires to return to his forest kingdom, and Glinda commands the Winged Monkeys to take him there.
- Toto
Toto is held by Dorothy during the final farewell and jumps out of her arms upon arrival in Kansas, running toward the barn.
Key passages
“If you had known their power you could have gone back to your Aunt Em the very first day you came to this country.”
Glinda tells Dorothy that the Silver Shoes could have taken her home immediately upon arrival.
Reveals the hidden power of the Silver Shoes and underscores the theme that the journey was necessary for growth.
“But then I should not have had my wonderful brains!”
The Scarecrow says he would have missed gaining his brains if Dorothy had returned at once.
Each companion acknowledges that the journey was essential to achieving their desires.
“Take me home to Aunt Em!”
Dorothy commands the Silver Shoes to carry her back to Kansas.
The final incantation that triggers Dorothy's return home.