The Wonderful Colors of Oz

Conclusion

Without the use of color, The Wizard of Oz would not have had the same impact on readers.

Although it's a children's novel, it's colorful symbolism holds powerful messages.

Oz in Technicolor

"People often say that the thing they remember most about The Wizard of Oz is the bright, vibrant color. The yellow brick road, the ruby red slippers, and the Emerald City are so richly saturated on screen that it's hard to imagine the film without it!"

"Contrary to common misconception, Oz was not the first film made in color, but it was one of the first to prove that color could add fantasy and draw audiences to theaters, despite its release during the Great Depression"

The Poppy Field

SCARLET- immortality, sin, danger, intense

“They were big yellow and white and blue and purple blossoms, great cluster of scarlet poppies, which were so brilliant in color they almost dazzled Dorothy’s eyes.” p. 63

“…Nor could she get away from the bright red flowers that were everywhere about” p. 63

The Wonderful Colors of Oz

Sorceresses & Witches

WHITE- purity, good, innocence, peace

Munchkin Land

BLUE- peace, tranquility, harmony, trust, unity

“The men were dressed in blue, of the same shades as their hats, and wore well-polished boots with a deep roll of blue at the tops.” p. 8

“All were painted blue (houses), for in this country of the East blue was the favorite color.” p. 19

“Because you wear silver shoes and have killed the Wicked Witch. Besides, you have white on your frock, and only witches and sorceresses wear white.” p. 20

“Blue is the color of the Munchkins, and white is the witch color so we know you are a friendly witch.” p. 20

“The ribbon around Toto’s neck had also lost its green color and was white as Dorothy’s dress.” p. 99

The Emerald City

GREEN- money, wealth, envy, healing

The Dainty China Country

“Everything is green here, while in the country of the Munchkins blue was the favorite color. But the people do not seem to be as friendly as the Munchkins…” p. 74

“Because if you did not wear spectacles the brightness and the glory of the Emerald City would blind you. Even those who live in the Emerald City must wear spectacles night and day.” p. 80

“Everyone seemed happy, contended and prosperous.” p. 83

Quadling Country

"There were milkmaids and shepherdesses, with brightly colored bodices and golden spots all over their gowns; and princesses with most gorgeous frocks of silver and gold and purple; and shepherds dressed in knee breeches with pink and yellow and blue stripes down them and golden buckles on their shoes..."

RED- love, power, passion, heat, excitement

"The fences and houses and bridges were all painted bright red... the Quadlings themselves, who were short and fat and looked chubby and good-natured, were dressed in all red, which shown bright against the green grass and the yellow grain." p.180

"Her hair was a rich red color and fell in flowing ringlets over her shoulders. Her dress was pure white but her eyes were blue, and they looked kindly upon the little girl." p. 182

The Importance of Color

in The Wizard of Oz

Color is a frequently used symbol throughout literature

The use of color is constant throughout the novel and does more than simply create imagery for the reader.

While L. Frank Baum says that the color choices in his novel were not arbitrary.

Kansas

GREY- sadness, boring, security, cold, dreary

“… She could see nothing but the great grey prairie on every side” p.1

”They had taken the sparkle from her eyes and left them a sober grey; they had taken the red from her cheeks and lips and they were grey also.” p.2

“Uncle Henry never laughed… and didn’t know what joy was” p.2

The Winkies

YELLOW- hope, happiness, friendship, cowardice, gold

"The Winkies were not a brave people, but they had to do as they were told..." p. 104

"...And they had grown so fond of the Tin Woodman that they begged him to stay and rule over them in the Yellow land of the West." p. 119

Jillian Laskowitz, Jenna Manelli, Sara McCammack