The Wizard of Oz: Dorthy's Jorney

In the classic film of the Wizard of Oz, there becomes a clear progression of the hero's journey as we watch the protagonist Dorthy venturing from Kansas into the extraordinary world of Oz. Through Dorthy's adventures we come acquainted with numerous character, color and situational archetypes. Dorthy herself is painted as the heroine as she transitions through the stages of her heroic journey. To start off on her quest she struggles with her identity and where her true home lies. The departure stage for Dorthy begins when she and her family's farm is unexpectedly hit with a tornado. By being separated from her family members she is forced to face the upcoming events of the journey alone. Next, Dorthy is initiated as she enters into the bright and lively world of Oz. She begins to grown a more mature perspective as she learns more about her role in this mystical world. By her house landing and killing the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorthy has earned the right to possess the magical red ruby slippers.

Right away Dorthy is introduced to Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, who becomes her supernatural aid (mentor) helping throughout her journey. An example of such is when Glinda advises Dorthy to seek the help of the mysterious Wizard of Oz in Emerald city, which she can reach by following the yellow brick road. She also warns Dorthy to never remove the ruby slippers unless she wishes to fall to the mercy of the Wicked Witch. Once Dorthy has begun her travels she comes across three major characters -- the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. This dynamic duo of odd individuals quickly become Dorthy's loyal companions who vow to come along on her quest and face any upcoming perils together. The three also believe that if they come along to Emerald city they will have their own wishes granted. The Scarecrow desperately wants to have a brain, the Tin Man a heart to show his affections, and the Cowardly Lion wants to earn some courage. However they're journey together isn't as simple as it seems. They are faced with multiple tests of endurance and resourcefulness like making it through the dangerous forest, escaping the sleep-induced poppies, and even defeating the Wicked Witch's henchmen.
  
 

Once the foursome arrive in Emerald city, and are allowed to see the Wizard of Oz, yet they are only then given another set of instructions. The Wizard of Oz refuses to grant any wishes until the group has gone and retrieved the Wicked Witch's broom. So they set off towards the Witch's castle and Dorthy melts the Wicked Witch with a bucket of water symbolizing the heroine enters the stage of the innermost cave. The act of defeating the Wicked Witch shows the greatest trial that Dorthy must face while in the land of Oz. With the battle between good and evil finally ending and the evil conquered at last, we can see the final stage of the journey falling in place. Dorthy has become more self-confident and aware of her identity through her past trials. With her new found wisdom she can restore the proper order to Oz. The land is safe from torment and overhanging worry caused by the Wicked Witch. However with the world of Oz being restored, Dorthy stills needs to find a way back home to Kansas. 

Not knowing what she could possibly do, Dorthy is once again greeted by her mentor Glinda who tells her that she always had the power to return home. She explains that Dorthy only had to learn for herself that she doesn't need to run away to find her heart's desires. Meaning that with whatever happens to Dorthy she just needs to stay firm in what she believes and she'll now where her true desires are (mainly back home with her family). So, Dorthy says a final farewell to her friends, then follows Glinda's instructions to close her eyes, tap her heels three times and keep repeating "There's no place like home". Then finally Dorthy wakes up in her familiar home surrounded by family and friends, and explains to everyone of her heroic journey. Although some of her family believe her time spent in the mystical land was just a dream it still proves strong to Dorthy. She remembers the life lesson that she learned and states that she'll never leave home again because she loves them all and there's no place like home. 

Further Analysis 

We can see the symbolic nature of the ruby red slippers that Dorthy wore when she first entered into the world of Oz. These slippers correlate to the idea of a magical weapon because of the obvious power that the shoes have. In the film, there were scenes were the shoes zapped the Wicked Witch for trying to touch them and how they transported Dorthy back to Kansas. The bright red color of the slippers also shows us a strong archetype of passion, uniqueness and emotion. These worlds describe the momentous change that Dorthy undergoes as she learns who she is and where her passions lie. Another feature of Dorthy's wardrobe is how she wears mainly the color blue which symbolizes innocence in her character and truth as the heroine. As the protagonist she symbolizes a person who is innocent and almost child-like until she furthers herself along the road of trials.

Now on the other hand, the Wicked Witch of the West consists of two very distinct and dynamic colors. The color of her skin is a vibrant shade of green which represents jealousy, envy, and even greed. This interpretation greatly goes with the Witch's personality. With her being the antagonist and directly butting heads with the protagonist we see her feelings becoming visible. The character of the Witch is a strong individual focused on her jealousy towards Dorthy because she doesn't possess the ruby slippers or the power that comes with them. She also shows obvious greed since she cares nothing for the lives of others but would rather acquire power. An example of such would be her willingness to let Dorthy die in return for the slippers. The black of her clothing also exhibits the presence of evil, chaos, and mystery. The Witch personifies evil and uses her chaotic and mysterious manner to harm and dictate others.

The character of Toto, Dorthy's pet dog, plays the role of the friendly beast. He helps Dorthy along the way and is almost always found by her side. He helps to assist the heroine in whatever dangers she may face and also provide complete companionship. For in the film, Toto was the one who warned the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion of whatever danger had befallen Dorthy.