Fascism in The Wizard of Oz: Uncovering Hidden Meanings

Introduction:

The classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz is often celebrated for its vibrant visuals, catchy songs, and timeless story. However, a closer look at the details and characters in the film reveals a more profound layer of symbolism and commentary. In this article, we explore how the movie, originally a children's story, may have been influenced by the perceived rise of fascism at the time of its production.

The Winkies: A Slavic Inference

The Winkies, as described in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, are a gentle, yellow-loving race who are enslaved to build the castle for the Wicked Witch of the West. However, in the 1939 film, a notable change is that the Winkies are depicted as green-skinned, sharing facial features with the Wicked Witch. This change is not just a visual choice but a potential allusion to the rising fascist leaders in Europe at the time.

The Fascist Analogy

According to online suppositions, the change from yellow to green skin for the Winkies could be influenced by the political climate of the 1930s. The Wizard of Oz was released in 1939, the same year as the rise of dictators like Hitler and Mussolini. Moviemakers may have used this change to create a character that resonated more with the audience’s experiences of fascism.

Symbolism and Political Commentary

By depicting the Wicked Witch as taking over from within rather than as an outside conqueror, the filmmakers might have hinted at internal oppression and the erasure of cultural identities. This change could be seen as an allegory for the rise of dictators within their own countries, reflecting the oppression of the Winkies due to the Wicked Witch's tyrannical rule.

The Wicked Witch as a Political Figure

Many have drawn parallels between the Wicked Witch and historical figures, with the most common being Hitler. The Wicked Witch's power and the Winkies' subservience evoke imagery of the Nazi regime and its control over the German population.

The Wicked Witch's use of the magic cap to summon the Flying Monkeys is reminiscent of Nazi propaganda and the machinery of control. This manipulation and oppression of a population by a single, powerful entity fits well with the historical context and the author's commentary on tyranny.

Parallel Victory and Prophecy

The eventual defeat of the Wicked Witch by Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion can be seen as an allegory for the eventual defeat of fascist regimes. Just as the Wicked Witch represents the oppressive regime, the defeat of the Wicked Witch and her undoing (falling off the cliffs near the beginning of the film) can be seen as a prophecy of the end of tyranny.

In a similar vein, the film could be interpreted as foretelling the Allied victory over the Axis powers. The house dropping on the Wicked Witch of the East near the beginning of the film could be seen as a metaphor for the bombing of the atomic bombs during World War II. The burnt broom that flies and looks like a missile could similarly be a symbol of the destructive power of modern weaponry.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While these interpretations are speculative, they provide a fascinating layer to the classic story. The Wizard of Oz, with its vivid imagery and memorable characters, may have served as more than just a children's tale but as a form of political commentary and allegory. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the underlying messages and symbolism in familiar stories.

So the next time you watch The Wizard of Oz, perhaps you will see it in a new light, recognizing the film's deep and hidden meanings that may have been intended by the filmmakers.