Hey there, curious mind! Let's dive into the magical world of Oz and find out just how old our beloved Dorothy is, shall we?
So, how old is Dorothy?
Well, buckle up, 'cause it's not as straightforward as you might think. You see, L. Frank Baum, the clever guy who wrote "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," didn't give us a specific age for Dorothy. Can you believe it? He just left us hanging like that!
But don't you worry, we're not going to let that stop us from having some fun and making some educated guesses. After all, we're not just any ordinary folk; we're Oz enthusiasts!
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Let's talk about the movie first
Now, I know what you're thinking, "But the movie says she's 12!" And you're right, the 1939 classic starring Judy Garland does indeed tell us that. But remember, the movie is an adaptation, and it took some creative liberties. So, let's not hold that against the book, okay?
Clues from the book
Alright, let's get back to the original story. Baum does give us a few hints about Dorothy's age. For instance, she's old enough to have a best friend, Toto, and to miss her family when she's away. She's also old enough to go on an adventure and meet the Wizard, but not so old that she's grown up yet.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. In the book, Dorothy says she's been in Oz for "many days." And when she finally gets home, she finds that only "a little time had passed" in Kansas. So, it seems like time works differently in Oz, huh? Isn't that just like Baum to throw a curveball at us?
So, what's our best guess?
Well, if we're looking at the clues from the book, it seems like Dorothy is probably around 10 or 11 years old. She's old enough to have a sense of adventure and independence, but still young enough to be naive and innocent. Plus, that age fits with the idea that she's been away from home for what feels like a long time, but not so long that she's missed out on too much growing up.
But remember, this is all just our best guess. Baum never gave us a definitive answer, and that's part of what makes "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" so magical. It's a story that can be enjoyed and interpreted in so many different ways.
Vintage Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz L Frank Baum The Reilly & Lee Co
Why does it even matter?
You might be wondering, "Why are we even talking about this? It's just a story!" And you're right, it is just a story. But it's a story that's been loved and cherished by generations. And part of what makes it so special is the way it speaks to us all, no matter what age we are.
Dorothy's age might not be important to the plot, but it does tell us something about the kind of hero Baum wanted us to root for. She's not a grown-up with all the answers; she's a kid who's figuring things out as she goes. And isn't that something we can all relate to, no matter how old we are?
So, let's raise a glass to Dorothy
Whether she's 10, 11, or somewhere in between, let's celebrate Dorothy for being the brave, clever, and kind-hearted heroine we all need in our lives. She reminds us that it's okay to be scared, that it's okay to ask for help, and that there's no place like home.
And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll find out the real answer to this age-old question. Until then, let's keep reading, keep wondering, and keep enjoying the magic of Oz.
Happy adventures, my friend!