The Wizard Of Oz
Read the following passage carefully:
The Lion thought it might be as well to frighten the Wizard, so he gave a large, loud roar, which was so fierce and dreadful that Toto jumped away from him in alarm and tipped over the screen that stood in a corner. As it fell with a crash they looked that way, and the next moment all of them were filled with wonder. For they saw, standing in just the spot the screen had hidden, a little old man, with a bald head and a wrinkled face, who seemed to be as much surprised as they were. The Tin Woodman, raising his axe, rushed toward the little man and cried out, “Who are you?”
“I am Oz, the Great and Terrible,” said the little man, in a trembling voice. “But don’t strike me—please don’t—and I’ll do anything you want me to.”
Our friends looked at him in surprise and dismay.
“I thought Oz was a great Head,” said Dorothy.
“And I thought Oz was a lovely Lady,” said the Scarecrow.
“And I thought Oz was a terrible Beast,” said the Tin Woodman.
“And I thought Oz was a Ball of Fire,” exclaimed the Lion.
“No, you are all wrong,” said the little man meekly. “I have been making believe.”
“Making believe!” cried Dorothy. “Are you not a Great Wizard?”
“Hush, my dear,” he said. “Don’t speak so loud, or you will be overheard—and I should be ruined. I’m supposed to be a Great Wizard.”
“And aren’t you?” she asked.
“Not a bit of it, my dear; I’m just a common man.”
“You’re more than that,” said the Scarecrow, in a grieved tone; “you’re a humbug.”
The passage describes Oz speaking in a 'trembling voice' and the friends looking at him in 'surprise and dismay'. Explain what these specific words tell us about Oz's immediate reaction to being discovered and the friends' feelings upon seeing him for the first time as a real person.
💡 Writing Tips
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Focus on the literal meaning of each highlighted word. What emotions do 'trembling' and 'dismay' suggest? How do these emotions contrast with the image of a 'Great and Terrible' Wizard? Consider both Oz's vulnerability and the friends' dashed expectations.
📝 Sample Answer
Oz's 'trembling voice' reveals his immediate fear and vulnerability upon being discovered. It suggests he is terrified of the consequences of his deception being exposed and fears physical harm from the agitated travelers, completely shattering his previous image as a powerful, emotionless entity. The friends' reaction of 'surprise and dismay' indicates their shock and deep disappointment. 'Surprise' highlights the unexpected revelation of Oz's true form, while 'dismay' conveys their distress, disillusionment, and perhaps a feeling of being cheated, as their hopes of the 'Great Wizard' fulfilling his promises seem to crumble.
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