Wizard of Oz as Gilded Age Allegory

Luke·

American Literature

Preview

At a Glance

SubjectAmerican Literature

Original Prompt

Can you make me a one-two page worksheet for an APUSH class that examines the connections between the Wizard of Oz & the gilded age

This resource focuses on L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' as an allegorical critique of American society during the Gilded Age. It discusses the historical context of the era, characterized by rapid industrial growth, political corruption, and the struggles of farmers and workers. Through an analysis of key characters and symbols from the story, students will explore how Baum addresses significant issues such as monetary policy, agrarian struggles, and industrialization. The learning objectives include identifying and analyzing allegorical connections between characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man, and their representations of the American populace, farmers, and industrial workers, respectively. Additionally, students will engage in critical thinking by evaluating the effectiveness of the allegory and discussing any oversimplifications present in the narrative.