No one, including author L. Frank Baum, could have ever imagined not only how immensely popular of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” would become, but the extent to which such a simple story would become a universal metaphor for life and become a favorite for children and adults alike.
While countless millions of people the world over have seen MGM’s classic film version, a far smaller number of people actually have read the equally classic book. And although the movie provides all who have seen it with a wealth of wonderful connections, the book is filled with an endless supply of golden nuggets just waiting to be mined by readers who continue to travel along the yellow brick road.
After seeing “The Wizard of Oz” for the first time (in a movie theater, not on television) when I was ten, I asked for a copy of the book and devoured it. I admit to having an affinity for Baum’s story because like Dorothy, I too had been an orphan. (I was adopted and I always imagined that Dorothy had been adopted by Uncle Henry and Aunt Em.) Dorothy was the first character I could truly identify with.
I never let anyone know how captivated I was by all that was Oz (largely the book). Instead I grew up with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion…
The many different messages of the story helped me grow into the adult I was going to be. But it wasn’t until I left the comfort of my surroundings…spending my junior year of college at Oxford, that I knew for the first time what Dorothy meant when said (in the movie) “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
I found the start of my yellow brick road at Oxford. Stepping out into the unknown was as frightening as it was exciting. Unlike the road I had dutifully been traveling at ‘home,’ the yellow brick road before me at Oxford was filled with possibilities. The uncertainty was invigorating.
Admittedly, being cast in the role of the Tin Man in the Marist Children’s Theatre production of “The Wizard of Oz” helped considerably in forging my link with all that was Oz. Getting inside (literally in this case since I had to fit into a costume that was made by a tinsmith) one of the characters afforded me with an opportunity to further explore the meaning behind the story. Also since I was now armed with an arsenal of other academic perspectives, I could, for the first time, see Oz as an allegory and a metaphor. As an adoptee, I saw Oz as a way of understanding what and who I was.
While it took me eleven years, from the time I graduated from college, to actually go from thinking about an adoption search to embarking on one, I was still mindful of the yellow brick road. It took me another eight years before my search became a story. And in that story I compared Dorothy’s journey down the yellow brick road with my adoption search. Subsequently, when I was asked to give a talk on my search and my book, I made it a point to bring up the Dorothy andrge yellow brick road connection. I also began to do more reading on Oz as metaphor while I pursued my interest in mythology and folklore thanks largely in part to the writings of Joseph Campbell, Rollo May, P.L. Travers, Jack Zipes, Elizabeth Pinkola-Estes and M. Scott Peck.
Finally I decided to create a blog that would provide me with an opportunity to share my collective experiences gained on my journey along the yellow brick road.
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Very interesting Vince. I always knew you liked the movie/book of The Wizard of Oz but didn’t realize you had made a connection that way.
Hate to admit I don’t know what a Blog is, but whatever, this one has a beautiful clarity that is often missing from websites. You’ve been using your time very creatively, Vince. Sign me on for this journey.
I love your story and thanks for sharing.
Having shared a tiny portion of your walk, Vinny, I continue to wish you all the best in your ongoing steps down that highway in your own life. Thanks for encouraging the rest of us along your way.
You write beautifully when your heart is really “in it.” It’s amazing how the Wizard of Oz affected so many children in my era and yours. It is still one of my favorite movies because it is full of hope and wonder. Adults forget to look at things through the eyes of a child…what a shame. Thanks for reminding me that I can still see both childlike and adult visions. It’s wonderful!
you are my HERO Vince and are missed terribly!!!!!!!!!!!! Love Shelley Love
Hey Vinnie,
What a wonderful site. The pleasure is increased because I met you at ULS in July and spent time with you. I will now come to your blog often.
Donna
Great posts you have here. I never thought chronicling personal thoughts and learnings could be such great a read for other people. You inspire me to write mine. Kudos!
Thanks Vince. Very pleased to have discovered you here. Lots to investigate. Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox (drop a nickel).
Hi,
I am a PhD candidate and am having a conference about progress. I would like to use a picture from your blog. Could you grant us the ability to use it on our website?
Thanks!
I have no problem, but just to make sure it is one of my pictures, could you tell me the one you have in mind?
Hello Mr Begley, I am requesting permission to use the photo of Curtain Call with the legs from your blog for our closing school’s Final Curtain Call Fbook page. The event takes place in June. I will take the page down afterwards. If you could let me know, I would surely appreciate it.
Many thanks, Judith Genis
Go right ahead!