How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Won't you go with me?" pleaded the girl, who had begun to look at the little old woman as her only friend. (2.57)
When Dorothy arrives in Oz, she's pretty much friendless. So much so that she's begging a complete stranger who has identified herself as a witch—albeit a good one—to go on a trip with her. At least she has Toto.
Quote #2
"Come along," said the Scarecrow, heartily; and Dorothy added that she would be pleased to have his company. (5.30)
You know what makes a road trip a lot more fun? Taking a few pals along. Dorothy has begun to assemble her team.
Quote #3
Toto did not approve of this new comrade at first…but after a time, he became more at ease, and presently Toto and the Cowardly Lion had grown to be good friends. (6.43)
You know how animals are sometimes seen as being good judges of character? Like sometimes if a dog likes someone, it makes that person seem more trustworthy? We're wondering if you get that vibe from Toto at all. Is he a good judge of character? And if so, why doesn't he take to the Lion right away?
Quote #4
"Good-bye!" he called after them, and they were very sorry to leave him; indeed, the Tin Woodman began to cry. (8.11)
The Scarecrow stranding himself in the river is the first time someone in the gang gets left behind. (Spoiler alert: It won't be the last.) How does the rest of the gang deal with this separation? Could they have made it to the Emerald City without the Scarecrow?
Quote #5
"I'm sorry," said the Scarecrow; "the Lion was a very good comrade for one so cowardly. But let us go on." (8.57)
When someone in the group gets left behind, it's always a sad moment. Thankfully, it's always temporary. And again, it makes us wonder: what does the Lion bring to the team? How would the adventure be different without him?
Quote #6
"He would never hurt anyone who is our friend. If you will help us to save him I promise that he shall treat you all with kindness." (9.25)
Friends don't let friends hurt new friends, even if those friends happen to be delicious field mice! That may not be a typical friendship code of honor, but most friendships do have a few basic rules.
Quote #7
"I will go with you: but I'm too much of a coward to kill the Witch," said the Lion.
"I will go too," declared the Scarecrow: "but I shall not be much help to you, I am such a fool."
"I haven't the heart to harm even a Witch," remarked the Tin Woodman; "but if you go I certainly shall go with you." (11.111-11.113)
Though pretty much everyone thinks the journey to the Wicked Witch is hopeless, they all agree to go. That's friendship, y'all.
Quote #8
"If our friends, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, were only with us," said the Lion, "I should be quite happy." (13.3)
What's the point of annihilating an enemy if you can't share it with your friends? Even in a time of great rejoicing—Dorothy has just killed the Wicked Witch—thinking about his fallen comrades has the Lion down. Fortunately, there's a reunion just around the corner!
Quote #9
"Congratulate me. I am going to Oz to get my brains at last. When I return I shall be as other men are."
"I have always liked you as you were," said Dorothy, simply. (16.1-16.2)
The Scarecrow thinks his friends will like him better when he has a brain. But Dorothy points out the obvious: they like him for who he is.
Quote #10
"If it wasn't for Dorothy I should never have had brains. She lifted me from the pole in the cornfield and brought me to the Emerald City. So my good luck is due all to her, and I shall never leave her until she starts back to Kansas for good and all." (18.45)
The Scarecrow has just been offered an entire kingdom, but he's stepping away to help Dorothy get back home. That's dedication!