XXVII Международный конкурс научно-исследовательских и творческих работ учащихся
Старт в науке
ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ ГЛАВНЫХ ГЕРОЕВ В ПРОИЗВЕДЕНИИ ФРЭНКА БАУМА “УДИВИТЕЛЬНЫЙ ВОЛШЕБНИК СТРАНЫ ОЗ”
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INTRODUCTION
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is a book that has sparked the imagination of readers for generations. This timeless fairy tale, full of adventures in the fantasy world of Oz, was first published in 1900. While we initially knew the story through Volkov's Russian interpretation, it was only last year, thanks to our English teacher, that we discovered Lyman Frank Baum's original version. We then understood that Volkov's familiar story was inspired by Baum's work, borrowing many of its memorable characters and ideas.
Lyman Frank Baum, the author, spent his childhood reading books, writing his own stories and telling them to his friends. He later worked as a reporter and wrote fairy tales for his sons. Inspired by his new house, "Ozcot," L. Frank Baum created his famous Kingdom of Oz.
While many people have studied "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" for its history or its movies, our study looks at it in a new way. We will explore how the author, L. Frank Baum, uses specific words and writing styles to show his characters growing and changing on the inside, emphasizing that our psychological self-perception and personal strength are often shaped by our interactions with others.
The aim of this research paper is to study different linguistic means used by L. Frank Baum in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in order to show how his characters transform their personalities from weak to strong confident ones.
To achieve this aim we have to fulfill the following objectives:
1) to study Maslow’s theory of personality and motivation;
2) to find out key peculiarities of each character;
3) to define how different linguistic means help the writer portray his characters and reflect their emotional state;
4) to analyze the characters’ change of behavior and speech in the story.
The object of the research is the characters of the book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, their traits and psychological characteristics.
The subject of the research is the linguistic means that help the writer shape his characters and show their psychological change and development.
In this research paper, we have made use of the following research methods: linguistic analysis, psychological interpretation and the method of close reading which involves careful, detailed analysis of specific passages to uncover layers of meaning and stylistic choices.
THEORETICAL PART
2.1 Review of Maslow’s Theory of Personality and Motivation
Beyond its captivating adventures and vibrant fantasy world, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" holds significant psychological importance. It subtly explores the universal human quest for self-discovery and teaches us a powerful lesson about ourselves. While the story illustrates how characters search for what they believe they lack, it also suggests that these qualities are already within us and can be found when we connect and communicate with others.
To understand these ideas, we first need to define two psychological terms: personality and motivation. In simple terms, personalityis what makes you unique, shown by how you behave, feel, and think [2, p.1003]. Meanwhile, motivation is what drives you to achieve your goals and dreams [2, p.887].
A helpful way to think about motivation is through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs [5, p. 63]. This theory, proposed in 1943, is often shown as a pyramid with five levels (See Appendix A). You must meet the needs at the bottom before you can focus on the higher ones.
At the base of the pyramid are physiological needs, essential for human survival. These include air, water, food, shelter, clothing, and sleep. Without these, a person cannot function properly. Above these are safety needs, centering on security, stability, and protection from danger. Next come social needs, which emphasize the need for love, friendship and social interaction. Above those are esteem needs, which address the need for feeling good about ourselves and getting respect from others. Finally, at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy is self-actualization, the drive to realize your full potential and find purpose in life.
To sum up, Maslow's theory tells us that we need to take care of our basic needs first. Once we feel safe, we can focus on building relationships and self-esteem. By understanding and meeting these needs step by step, we can work towards happier and more fulfilling life.
2.2 Character Analysis
According to L. Borisova, character identification, description, and the analysis of conflict are the key elements of quality character analysis [3, p. 14]. In character identification, it is important to recognize different types. Main characters drive the story, while minor characters support them and help reveal their personalities. Characters can also be dynamic (changing throughout the story) or static (remaining unchanged).
Character description may include several aspects: name, appearance, development, and the writer’s attitude toward them. A comprehensive description should also cover a character’s psychological traits, behavior, actions, relationships, strengths, weaknesses, moral principles, similarities and differences with other characters, and their function within the story.
Conflicts in a story can be classified as external or internal. External conflicts involve opposition between people, a character and nature, or a character and society. Internal conflicts, on the other hand, show a struggle within a character's own mind [3, p. 18].
Lexical, stylistic and syntactic means are important for character description. Linguo-stylistics, the study of how language creates meaning, atmosphere, and character in a text, provides framework for this analysis. It involves examining a character's speech through two key areas:
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stylistic devices convey abstract qualities and emotions. These include:
descriptive attributes, which highlight a specificquality of a person or a thing [2,p, 67];
metaphors,expressions that describe one thing using words normally associated with something else to suggest a shared quality [2, p.854];
similes, whichstate the similarity between two things, using like or as [3, p. 1257];
hyperbole, a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize a point [3, p.654];
irony, the use of words to express a meaning opposite to the literal one, often for humorous or critical effect [3, p. 695].
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syntactic structures reveal a character's thought processes and emotional state through sentence construction.
For instance, interrogative sentences can indicate uncertainty or curiosity. Exclamatory sentences often show strong emotions like joy, fury, or fear. Long, complex sentences tend to reflect deep reasoning and contemplation while short simple sentences can convey determination, fear, or decisive action [4, p.5].
By analyzing these devices, we can trace a character's inner development as reflected in their changing use of language.
In summary, this theoretical foundation provides the necessary concepts and tools for understanding characters. We have explored Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to understand motivation and have examined the methods for identifying and describing characters through linguo-stylistics. This information will now help our practical analysis in demonstrating how the characters in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" change and grow, and how their journey helps them discover their true strengths.
PRACTICAL PART
3.1 Linguo-Stylistic Analysis and Psychological Interpretation of Dorothy's Character Development
This section analyzes Dorothy's character development, focusing on how her experiences in Oz lead her to fulfill her needs and achieve personal growth.
Dorothy is a young girl who lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on their farm. Their days are long, their faces are sad, and their home is a single room where they eat and sleep. Despite the hardships her family faces, Dorothy is a happy child who laughs a lot. Right from the start, we see she can find happiness even in most difficult times, supported by her aunt and uncle, who provide her with a sense of safety, as described by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
One day, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are swept away from Kansas by a huge storm and land in the magical country of Oz. Oz is a world of witches, yellow brick roads, and talking animals, very different from her gray home. Oz is full of sunshine and bright colors. Throughout her journey, Dorothy meets many kind and helpful people: the blue and white Munchkins, the citizens of the Emerald City, and the cheerful Quadlings. This adventure, which takes her from a boring everyday life to a colorful magical world, marks the beginning of Dorothy discovery of her true self and potential.
Even though Oz is amazing, Dorothy longs for Kansas. She misses her Aunt and Uncle a lot, often saying, "Home is always the best place to be"[1, p.13] and "there is no place like home."[1, p.18] Her desire to return home illustrates her need for safety and comfort. While she admires the beauty of Oz, her heart remains tied to her simple life in Kansas, showcasing her desire for love and security.
Throughout her journey, Dorothy’s kindness and willingness to help shine brightly. She inspires her friends by giving them hope, telling the Scarecrow that he will get brains, and inviting the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to join her quest. Her bravery is evident as she saves her friends from danger. In helping others achieve their goals, Dorothy at the same time moves closer to her own true character growth, becoming a better version of herself.
When Dorothy finally meets the Wizard, she expresses her desire to return home, saying, "You have a beautiful country, but it is not my home."[1, p.36] The Wizard's demand for her to defeat the Wicked Witch feels unjust, leaving Dorothy disheartened. However, she does not give up; instead, she displays determination and a commitment to her values, showing her growth into a stronger, more confident person who refuses to harm others.
In the end the Wicked Witch meets her end by accident, melting in a bucket of water, which grants Dorothy the freedom to choose her next steps. Throughout this journey, Dorothy values friendship above her needs, choosing to assist her companions before considering her return home. Although she could have used the Silver Shoes to go back immediately, she recognizes the importance of supporting the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion in their quests.
This adventure in Oz shows Dorothy’s significant personal growth. She changes from a simple girl longing for home into a compassionate and courageous person. Through her choices to help others, she discovers that true strength lies in kindness and that home is a feeling within her heart. This realization marks her evolution from seeking safety to understanding the importance of helping others.
3.2 Linguo-Stylistic Analysis and Psychological Interpretation of the Scarecrow's Character Development
This section examines the Scarecrow's character development, focusing on his quest for wisdom and intelligence.
The Scarecrow, a character who truly believes he has no brains, is first found by Dorothy in a field on her way to the Emerald City. His head is a sack of straw, with painted blue eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Unlike typical scarecrows, he can talk. His first conversation with Dorothy is notably thought-provoking: "How can you talk if you have no brains?" she asks, to which he replies, "I don't know. But those who have no brains love to talk." [1, p.18]
Interestingly, the Scarecrow feels sorry for himself: convinced that he has no brains, he envies those who have them. He believes that crows aren't scared of him because they are smarter. He never gets tired and needs no water – he attributes these facts to his lack of brains. He fears fire – a surprising detail he shows he remembers by standing far from the fire every night. The self-doubt and desire for wisdom illustrate his strong need for esteem and self-improvement, aligning with Maslow's higher-level needs. His constant quest for answers and knowledge portrays him as an inquisitive character committed to lifelong learning and development.
Despite his misconceptions, the Scarecrow is actually very intelligent and resourceful. He can find food and care for Dorothy and Toto. His logical thinking shines through all his ideas. For example, he suggests the Tin Man cut a tree to make a bridge or proposes they build a raft to cross a river. He makes quick decisions, like protecting everyone from the forty crows sent to peck out their eyes. His use of long, thoughtful sentences and his tendency to ask many questions demonstrate his capacity for reflection and reasoning.
At times, he feels anxious and worried, often questioning himself, yet he never stops generating ideas. His genuine desire to assist his friends is evident, as he promises to do more once he gets brains, despite already being incredibly helpful. This desire for intelligence shows his strong motivation to realize his full potential and gain respect and recognition from those around him.
In the end, the Great Oz grants the Scarecrow “brains”, which turn out to be pins, needles, and glue. Oz reassures him that he is "as clever as anyone," and these simple words give the Scarecrow the much-needed boost. This moment proves that his self-worth is linked to his friends’ opinions of him rather than his physical change. It reveals his need for encouragement to recognize his true capabilities. Glinda, the Good Witch, believes the Scarecrow will make a good King of the Emerald City, proving his true intelligence and leadership.
So, we see that the Scarecrow is in fact smart and clever. His frequent references to brain, knowledge, and wisdom highlight his deep desire to feel intelligent and valued. His journey is one of self-development, where he learns to appreciate his own worth and capabilities. With the support of his friends, he changes from a self-doubting figure into a confident person, committed to self-education and personal development. The Scarecrow's story serves as a powerful reminder that true intelligence often lies within, waiting to be recognized.
3.3 Linguo-Stylistic Analysis and Psychological Interpretation of the Tin Man's Character Development
This section delves into the Tin Man's desire for a heart, exploring how his emotional journey reflects his need for love and belonging.
Dorothy found the Tin Man in the forest. He had rusted from rain and was unable to move. The Tin Man had a gentle and courteous nature. But he was convinced that as he had no heart, he could not feel.
Long ago, he used to have a heart. He was in love with a Munchkin girl, but the Wicked Witch put a curse on his axe. Every time he used it, it would slip and cut off parts of his body until he was cut in two. That is how he lost his heart and ability to love. His quest to find a heart is deeply motivated by a desire for love and connection, which aligns with Maslow's higher-level needs.
On the way to the Emerald City, the Tin Man demonstrates care and thoughtfulness. He clears paths, builds fires, warns everyone of dangers and shows real concern for his companions. These actions illustrate that he possesses great empathy and a desire to protect others. He is a character who puts the well-being of others above his own.
Although he believes he has no heart, he thinks killing animals for food is wrong. His deep compassion shines through when he saves a little mouse. This kindness results in the mice saving the Cowardly Lion from the poppy field. Thus, the Tin Man’s quest for a heart becomes less about getting emotions and more about recognizing his ability to love and feel for others, marking a significant point of his journey toward self-discovery.
The Tin Man also shows bravery, risking his life to save his friends by fighting off a pack of forty wolves and protecting the group from a swarm of black bees that die against his tin body. However, he is powerless against the Winged Monkeys, who drop him onto sharp rocks, breaking him into pieces. The Winkies later reassemble him, granting him a new chance at life, yet all he truly wants is a heart. He believes he would feel more if he had a heart. The Tin Man’s speech has metaphors and similes, such as "My heart is rusty," and repetitive exclamations like "I want a heart!" These linguistic choices highlight his urgent need for love and belonging.
When he finally meets Oz, the Great Wizard puts a big red silk heart inside him, telling him to take good care of it. This moment makes the Tin Man very happy, but like the Scarecrow, he already showed his heart. This scene shows that the gift serves not to create feelings but to boost his belief in himself and emphasize his existing emotions. Later he becomes King of the Winkies and, according to Glinda, a good king too.
So, the Tin Man's journey shows a deep transformation. He wants to love and be loved, and his actions reveal his compassion, even if he thinks he has no heart. With his friends' support, he learns to accept his caring nature. His quest for a heart symbolizes self-acceptance, reminding us that love and empathy are often already within us, just waiting to be seen and valued.
3.4 Linguo-Stylistic Analysis and Psychological Interpretation of the Cowardly Lion's Character Development
In this section we will discuss the Cowardly Lion's struggle for courage, showcasing how his character illustrates the search for confidence and self-esteem.
When Dorothy and her friends enter the forest, they are greeted by a loud roar from the Cowardly Lion. Despite the Lion’s impressive looks and physical strength, he feels cowardly and is afraid of almost everything – even his own shadow. In fact, his loud roar is used to hide his deep fear and is an attempt to control a fast-beating heart. The Cowardly Lion knows he has a problem and wants to solve it desperately. His quest for courage shows strong motivation to get confidence and self-respect, which are key elements of Maslow's higher-level needs.
On the way to the Emerald City the Cowardly Lion shows extreme bravery. He jumps over wide ditches and swims across dangerous rivers. He fights the Winkies and shows great courage with the Kalidahs – monsters with bear bodies and tiger heads, or when he leads the group against attacking spiders. He risks his own life many times to keep his friends safe. Just like the Tin Man, he puts the well-being of those around him above his own. His honesty and straightforwardness with Oz and other forest animals show his true desire for leadership. This desire for courage shows his motivation to realize his full potential and gain respect and recognition from those around him.
The Lion’s character has a mix of traits: at times he is fierce and fearless, yet at other times he is full of fear and self-doubt. He dreams of being King of all animals but still says, "I have no courage at all." His tendency to mix words like ‘courage’, ‘brave’, and ‘strong’ with ‘afraid’, ‘scared’, and ‘nervous’ shows his delicate nature. His true desire to help others enables him fight his anxiety and shyness, leading him to join every battle and assist anyone in need. The evolution in his speech, marked by more exclamations and stronger statements, emphasizes his determination and the truly earned respect as the King of the Forest.
When he finally meets Oz and asks for the courage he wants, all the Lion gets is a tiny green bottle. Surprisingly, a few drops make the Lion believe he is brave, even though his actions on the journey have already demonstrated it. This moment emphasizes that the gift from Oz was not about providing new strength but rather about boosting his self-belief and revealing the strength he already possessed.
So, we see that the Cowardly Lion’s journey shows a deep transformation. With his friends’ support, the Lion learns a lot about his fearless nature, gains self – understanding and learns to voice what he really wants. His quest for courage is a journey to self-discovery. It highlights his deep desire for respect and leadership. From a cowardly self-doubting character he changes into a powerful confident leader determined to bring order and protection to his people. The Cowardly Lion’s story serves as a powerful reminder that true bravery and courage are often found within, waiting to be claimed.
3.5 Linguo-Stylistic Analysis and Psychological Interpretation of the Wizard of Oz's Character
In this section, we will explore the character of the Wizard and how his role affects the development of other characters.
The Wizard of Oz is a character wrapped in mystery and rumor. He never goes out and people say that those who waste his time will face his anger and will be trapped in Oz forever. Each visitor sees Oz in a different form. To Dorothy he is a great head saying, "I am Oz, the Great and Terrible." To the Scarecrow he appears as a beautiful winged woman. To the Tin Man he looks like a monstrous animal with five eyes and five arms. To the Cowardly Lion he is a terrifying ball of fire [1, p. 38]. These changing images show that Oz is manipulative and uses grand words and big shows to shape his identity.
In truth, Oz is none of these. He is a little old man sitting behind a screen — a humbug. Once a balloonist, he arrived in Oz by chance and chose to maintain an illusion of authority to control people and keep his position. He makes promises he cannot keep and hides his weakness behind showy speeches and ordinary actions.
Psychologically, Oz is driven by basic needs. Far from a confident ruler, he is indecisive and afraid. According to Maslow, his deepest needs are safety, shelter, and a return home — basic needs that he cannot satisfy. His tricks are a way to feel secure and important; the illusion gives him temporary control and masks his insecurity.
In the book Oz plays the role of a wise, powerful figure, but in reality, this role is just a mask. Surprisingly, he also teaches us an unexpected lesson: his deception forces Dorothy and her friends to look inside themselves and discover their real strengths.
Linguistically, Oz relies on grand titles, booming phrases, and frightening images. His dramatic speech creates authority, but when the screen is removed we see only an ordinary man. This contrast shows how language can build false power while actions and reality reveal the truth.
In the end, Oz does help the group — not by giving real magic, but by pointing them to their own abilities and offering symbolic gifts. Glinda frees the winged monkeys, and the Land of Oz becomes a freer and happier place. Oz builds a balloon and uses it to return home, answering his own need for safety and shelter.
So, the character of Oz demonstrates us how people can create false images to seem powerful. Besides, he also helps Dorothy and her friends realize their true potential and that true strengths are often found within.
CONCLUSION
As a result of this research, we have arrived at the following conclusions:
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Maslow’s theory of personality and motivation is a useful tool. It helps explain what drives people. In the story, it shows why the characters want what they want, from basic safety to self-respect.
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Each character has key peculiarities. Dorothy seeks safety, the Scarecrow wants brains, the Tin Man a heart, and the Cowardly Lion courage. Their specific words and actions clearly show these traits and how they connect to Maslow’s levels of needs.
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The writer uses specific linguistic means to portray the characters and their emotions. Dorothy’s repeated words like “home” and “Kansas” show her deep need for safety and belonging. The Scarecrow’s questions and smart reasoning show his thinking. The Tin Man’s exclamations like “I want a heart!” show his feelings. The Lion’s mixed words show his fear and bravery. Even the Wizard's grand titles and booming voice are linguistic tricks used to hide his true, ordinary self.
4. The characters’ behaviour and speech change, showing their psychological growth. They act bravely, kindly and smartly during their journey. Even before they receive symbolic gifts from Oz, the Scarecrow proves his wisdom through his ideas, the Tin Man shows his big heart through his caring deeds, and the Cowardly Lion acts courageously to protect his friends. This proves they already had these qualities inside. They find their strengths by helping each other, which leads to their personal change and development.
This story shows us that we become our best selves through others. The characters' journey teaches that personal growth is not about finding magic, but about evolving together. It is a joyful lesson that we are not alone, and that true self-discovery happens through friendship and supporting each other.
REFERENCES
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Baum L. Frank The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. L.:Oxford University Press, 2016, 56p.
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Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture, Harlow, UK, Addison Wesley Longman Ltd, 1998, 1568p.
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Борисова Л.В. Интерпретация текста (проза) : Учебное пособие / Л.В. Борисова – Мн. : Выш.шк., 1999. –174 с.
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ГуревичВ.В. Г English Stylistics. Стилистика английского языка ; учеб, пособие / В.В. Гуревич. — 3-е изд. — М.: Флинта : Наука, 2008. — 72 с.
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Маслоу А. Г. Мотивация и личность ; учебное пособие /А. Г. Маслоу ; [пер. с англ.]. – 3-е изд. – Спб.: Питер, 2019. – 400 с.
Appendix A
Drawing 1.1 – Hierarchy of Needs by A. Maslow