Both ‘Wizard of Oz,’ by L. Baum, and ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ by Lewis Carroll, have similar themes in regards to characters, magical and fictional creatures, and parallel worlds. Both texts use elements of fairy tales, and the protagonists in both books are on a quest. Alice and Dorothy find themselves in bizarre, fictional worlds. They meet imaginary creatures and become friends with them. Both characters face difficulties and are able to overcome their fears, even though the dream is a fantasy.
Dorothy is bright and imaginative, a farm girl from Kansas who lives in an old farmhouse. She is depicted as poor because she shares a small house with her family. Alice, however, appears to have been raised well. She appears educated with virtuous behavior. Dorothy wants out of her life, to be able to grow and become a woman. She feels like a helpless child, unneeded by adults, and is controlled. In her dreams, Dorothy is transported to Oz, far from the people who love her. The most important realization she makes is that she can’t stay a little girl forever. Alice, as a contrast, is changing and doesn’t like it. She fantasizes about escaping to an imaginary place where everything is’sillier.’ She does not like rules because they limit her. She dreams of a place called Wonderland where there are no rules and anyone can do whatever they want. Alice is not interested in growing up too quickly, unlike Dorothy.
Both books end with magical creatures crossing paths between Dorothy and Alice. They meet people that they never thought they would. Alice was alone when she began her Wonderland adventure, but has made friends with many characters, including the Cheshire Cat. Cheshire cat challenges readers, as do many of Alice in Wonderland’s characters. Dorothy began her journey alone in Oz, but she left with friends like the Scarecrow and a Tin Man. She also made new friends, including Glinda The Good Witch of South. These characters taught both girls valuable lessons.
Alice can’t control her size until the Caterpillar hands her the mushroom. In reality, children cannot control their growth. And children in puberty can feel uncomfortable. Carroll portrays growing up as a confusing and painful process that doesn’t always have positive outcomes. Alice’s first guide was the Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland. Alice also learns that changing shape and size isn’t necessarily a bad thing. One day, he’ll transform into a gorgeous butterfly. Glinda’s lesson in self-empowerment was very important to Dorothy. Glinda helped Dorothy transform from a selfish adolescent into a family-loving young woman. Alice and Dorothy form lasting friendships.
Both authors are concerned with identity. Alice in Wonderland: As Alice travels through her dreams, she gradually loses the sense of her own identity. Alice cannot answer the Caterpillar when he asks her, “Who are You?”
Alice’s frustration grows when she realizes that her answer is not the same as it was before.
The Scarecrow is unaware of his true identity, just as the Lion, Tin Man and Tin Man. The Scarecrow believes that he lacks brains. The Tin Woodman regrets his lack of heart. And the Lion thinks he’s not brave enough to be the king of Jungle. It is not true. The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion are all filled with intelligence and compassion. The Cowardly Lion will volunteer to jump the ditch over when they reach it. Cowardly Lion replies, “I fear falling.” . . But the Lion doesn’t realize that courage means acting in spite of fear. The Lion does not realize that courage is acting despite fear.
Alice and Dorothy face similar obstacles in their respective worlds. Alice’s dream takes her to an unfamiliar and strange place. Dorothy, on the other hand, is transported to a faraway land that she has never been to before. Alice sees Wonderland as an exciting world. Dorothy does not care as much about Oz as she does about going home and seeing her family. Wonderland is the land of madness. The Cheshire cats says “We’re mad here.”
Alice began by falling into the rabbit’s hole. As she travels, her curiosity causes her to doubt her identity several times, learn the rules of Wonderland, and change sizes. The bloodthirsty, evil Queen of Hearts of Wonderland thinks that ordering beheadings will solve all of her problems. Alice often finds herself in dangerous situations, but these never become reality. They suggest death is lurking behind the ridiculous events in Alice in Wonderland. The Queen’s shriek “Off with its Head!” makes Alice realize that her risks aren’t so absurd.
Dorothy, who arrived in Oz by cyclone is greeted with the Munchkins as well as the Good Witch of North. Both seem to be welcoming. Dorothy leaves the witch’s grave with a pair of shoes to go to the Wizard of Oz. The Wizard is supposed help Dorothy return home. She meets the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman, who join her on her quest. Dorothy and her friends face many challenges on their journey, such as rabid animals, giant ditches and a roaring River.
