Dorothy Gale: A Women's Rights Activist
Dorothy Gale shows society the true strength of women. Basically, Dorothy Gale's character was a heroine in the feminist movement. She showed the readers that even though she was a girl, she could be intelligent, caring, and brave; she broke the stereotype of women and decided that she didn't belong in a kitchen, or a farm. Her character was created in order to comment on this on-going issue. |
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was written in the 1900's. In this time-period, expectations of women were very degrading and stereotypical. The ideal woman would stay at home, clean, cook, take care of the kids and depend on their devoting husbands for most anything. Dorothy on the other hand, could think for herself. She yearned for something more in her life. She was adventurous, clever, and most importantly she was independent. The fight for women's rights was a huge deal back in Baum's time and it continues to be relevant in today's society. |
Unlike many other novels published in the 20th century, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz encouraged female audiences to be tenacious and to stand up for yourself. In 1900's literature, the story generally prompted women to always stay home and that adventures are for fools. Lyman Frank Baum wanted his readers to know that there was more to life than cooking and cleaning. Baum believed that women could achieve anything they wanted to and inspired others to chase their dreams.