What's Your Favorite Wizard of Oz Character?

Dorothy represents the typical, all encompassing, ‘perfect’ American.

Toto represents prohibitionists because of their support for the Populists.

The Tin Man represents the industrial workers, particularly of the steel industry. The Tin Man lacks a heart, which is associated with emotion, and the assembly line and factory work is viewed as emotionless work.

The Cowardly Lion represents William Jennings Bryan who was perceived to be cowardly because he did not support the Spanish-American War in 1898 and because he did not lead a strong fight in support of silver.

The Scarecrow represents the ordinary farmers of America who were perceived to be very dumb, as the Scarecrow, who lacks a brain, was.

The Wicked Witches represent the gold standard, which was what the Populist Party was against.

The Good Witches represent the silver standard, which was what the Populist Party supported.

The Wizard represents the politicians of this time period. The Gilded Age was characterized by manipulative and corrupt politicians, which is exemplified by the myth of the Wizard’s power.