THE GILDED AGE

HOW ARE THESE TWO RELATED?

ALLEGORY

a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

IS THE WIZARD OF OZ AN ALLEGORY?

“After a few hours the road began to be rough, and the walking grew so difficult that the Scarecrow often stumbled over the yellow brick, which were here very uneven. Sometimes, indeed, they were broken or missing altogether, leaving holes that Toto jumped across and Dorothy walked around. As for the Scarecrow, having now brains he walked straight ahead, and so stepped into the holes and fell full length on the hard bricks.”

THINK ABOUT YESTERDAY…

What do you think the Yellow Brick Road would represent?

That’s right! The Gold Standard

Remember it was a huge issue in the 1890’s Why again?

SO INSTEAD OF GOLD, WHAT DID THE FARMERS WANT TO BACK THE DOLLAR?

SILVER This would help manage the farmer’s debt

woes So where is there silver in the Wizard of Oz?

In the original story, her shoes were silver

But why SHOES?!

Supporters of the silver movement argued that it had the elasticity and abundance to last for a long time. Dorothy likewise felt the silver shoes to, “be just the thing to take a long walk in, for they could not wear out.”

Additionally, during this time the banker bosses had the power to control money. However, addition of silver to the gold standard would dampen their ability to hold power by money.

As a banker, how would you feel about something that will take away your power?

“[The Wicked Witch of the West] looked down at Dorothy’s feet, and seeing the Silver Shoes, began to tremble with fear, for she knew what a powerful charm belonged to them…”

“At first the Witch was tempted to run away from Dorothy; but she saw how simple the soul behind them was, and that the little girl did not know of the wonder power the Silver Shoes gave her.”

WE JUST MENTIONED DOROTHY

Who does she represent?

The United States! The United States was considered to be unknowing and innocent. They always had the chance to implement silver, but they were too “simple” to realize its power. Robber barons and banks (Wicked Witch of the West) recognized this, and fed off the innocence of the nation (Dorothy)

“I learned that if I roared very loudly every living thing was frightened and got out of my way. Whenever I’ve met a man I’ve been awfully scared; but I just roared at him, and he has always run away as fast as he could go.” William Jennings Bryan

Who do you think would represent Bryan in the Wizard of Oz?

IN FACT! He was already being represented as a lion!

But wait. Cowardly… Well Bryan was known for his powerful words,

but less powerful actions “Roared” for the common people Did not fully support/endorse the Populist party

platform

SO WHAT ABOUT THIS GUY?

WHO COULD HE POSSIBLY REPRESENT?

What is he missing? “As for the Scarecrow, having no brains he

walked straight ahead, and so stepped into the holes and fell at full length on the hard bricks. It never hurt him, however, and Dorothy would pick him up and set him upon his feet again, while he joined her in laughing merrily at his own mishap.”

Is the Scarecrow smart? Is he resilient?

The Scarecrow represents the farmer

More specifically the Midwestern farmer

Known for being naïve, but able to put up with ridicule from people

MORE IMPORTANTLY….

Why green?

DO WE STILL USE ALLEGORIES TO REPRESENT SOCIETY IN THE UNITED STATES?

1940- When the first Batman comic was introduced

Early 1900’s- What is unique about this time period?

SO WHAT DOES BATMAN HAVE TO DO WITH THAT?

Batman’s first villains, in fact most of his villains, have ties to the mobs

He was created as a dark hero, someone that would be realistic to this time period Superman was too “perfect” and “fake” Batman had no super powers, and dealt with

real-life problems Rich man, who wanted to help the

underprivileged, and provide justice

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Create an allegory for today’s society Will we be represented by a hero, a naïve

child, or something completely new? These things must be addressed:

Who is the main character and WHY Why are they something/someone we should focus on

What are they going/fighting against How are they going about this

What are their downfalls What special “powers” do they hold that will help

our society?