Wizard Of Oz Clipart
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic and beloved stories of all time. First written as a book by L. Frank Baum in 1900, it was adapted into a hugely popular film in 1939 starring Judy Garland. Since then, the story and characters have become cultural icons and influenced pop culture for over a century. Let’s explore the magical story and world of Oz.
Overview of The Wizard of Oz Story and Plot
The story follows Dorothy Gale, a young girl who lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. After her house is carried away to the magical Land of Oz by a tornado, Dorothy embarks on a quest down the yellow brick road to see the Wizard in the Emerald City. She wants to find a way back home to Kansas.
Along the way, Dorothy meets memorable characters who join her journey – the Scarecrow who wants a brain, the Tin Man who desires a heart, and the Cowardly Lion who is in search of courage. Together, they face obstacles like battling winged monkeys, Kalidahs (beat bodies with heads) before finally reaching the Wizard.
The Wizard of Oz Characters
Dorothy is the protagonist and heroine – a kind, innocent farm girl suddenly whisked away to a magical land. Her devotion to her family and home drives her adventures.
The Scarecrow, made entirely of straw, thinks he lacks a brain but shows cleverness and common sense. Tin Man seeks a heart though he is emotional and caring underneath the tin exterior. Cowardly Lion believes he needs courage, yet often overcomes fear to face danger.
Guardian witch Glinda guides Dorothy benevolently. The Wicked Witch of the West creates conflict and scary scenes. Wizard is revealed to be an ordinary man hiding behind intimidation and special effects.
Analysis of Key Themes and Symbols
At its core, The Wizard of Oz explores universal themes about home and belonging. Though Oz offers adventure, Dorothy’s motivation is returning home. Home represents safety, family, love – attributes sought by all the characters.
The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion respectively seek intellect/wisdom, care/compassion, and bravery – qualities that embody human virtue. Their self-doubt suggests we often underestimate our inner strengths.
Key symbols include the yellow brick road guiding one through the journey of life, and Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers capable of fulfilling her heart’s desire to return home.
The Wizard of Oz Movie Adaptation
MGM Studios released The Wizard of Oz film in 1939, based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 book. It featured unforgettable Technicolor visuals and a musical score including classic songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”
Judy Garland charmed viewers as Dorothy with her expressive optimism, iconic blue gingham dress, and hair bowed pigtails. Director Victor Fleming and producer Mervyn LeRoy created one of cinema’s most beloved movies.
Despite early mixed critical reviews, the film slowly became a commercial hit through television airings. Today, the Library of Congress preserves it as a national treasure.
Iconic Moments and Scenes from The Wizard of Oz Movie
Visually dazzling sequences made Wizard of Oz a cinematic wonder. The tornado sweeping Dorothy into Oz astounded with special effects. Exciting adventures unfold amidst Munchkinland’s candy-colors and the ominous dark forest.
The witch’s scary cackle and green face startled generations. Charm emanates from Glinda’s magical bubble floating to “Over the Rainbow.” The Emerald City gleams in majestic green. The Horse of a Different Color changes vibrant hues.
Legacy and Influence of The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz grew into a cultural icon, its reach extending through:
- Sequels – Baum wrote 13 other Oz books. Modern stories like Wicked offered additional perspectives.
- Adaptations – Many plays, books, musicals reinterpreted the tale (e.g. The Wiz, Wicked)
- Film references – Countless movies allude to Wizard of Oz imagery and motifs as shorthand for magical adventures.
- Linguistic idioms – Phrases like “not in Kansas anymore” quickly convey finding oneself in a strange, new situation.
Wizard of Oz Memorabilia and Collectibles
Vintage Wizard of Oz toys and merchandising fill collectors’ shelves today. Some valuable rarities changing hands for thousands include:
- Ceramic figurines of main characters
- Movie lobby cards and first edition posters
- Signed photographs of the film’s cast
- Foreign language editions of L. Frank Baum’s books
Costume replicas also pose interest, especially ruby slipper reproductions.
Wizard of Oz Clipart and Artwork
The Wizard of Oz visuals permeated popular culture so extensively that clipart graphics frequently reference its themes. We see Oz imagery adorning:
- Bulletin boards in schools/libraries about fantasy/adventure
- Book covers and media using magic metaphors
- Digital arts integrating publicly licensed characters
Cartoons and kids apparel may apply Dorothy & Company in analogous journeys about self-discovery. Their classic images provide artistic shorthand suggesting magical worlds.
Over 120 years since L. Frank Baum authored the original book, The Wizard of Oz universe continues capturing the public imagination across generations. The story arcs, characters, audiovisual spectacle, larger-than-life fantasy, and metaphorical meanings enthrall wide audiences.
Oz’s whimsical myth remains compelling as humanity perennially seeks purpose and self-affirmation in our own life journeys down uncertain roads. In many ways, we each identify as the story’s protagonists seeking our way home – wherever that may be found.
In this page clipartix present 59 wizard of oz clipart images free for designing activities. Lets download Wizard Of Oz Clipart that you want to use for works or personal uses.