Celebrate Poe
Celebrate Poe
Usher and Oz
Welcome to Episode 302 - Usher and Oz
But before this podcast delves into the original version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, I like to delve into the life and works of two very different writers - Edgar Allan Poe and, the author of the Oz series - L. Frank Baum. Both were highly influential authors, with distinct styles and thematic concerns that reflect their unique literary goals.
Poe is renowned for his exploration of melancholy, death, and the human psyche. His works often delve into the darker aspects of existence, reflecting his own life experiences. For instance, poems like "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" convey a sense of tragic beauty, focusing on themes of loss and the haunting nature of memory. Poe's poetry is characterized by a rhythmic creation of beauty that often evokes feelings of despair and existential questioning.
In contrast, Baum's Oz series is fundamentally optimistic, emphasizing self-discovery, friendship, and the realization of one's potential. The characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz embark on journeys that lead them to understand their inner strengths—courage, intelligence, and heart—rather than seeking external validation or treasures. Baum’s world is one of wonder and adventure, aimed primarily at children but containing layers of social commentary about American society during his time.
Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.
Welcome to Episode 301 - Usher and Oz
But before this podcast delves into the original version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, I like to delve into the life and works of two very different writers - Edgar Allan Poe and, the author of the Oz series - L. Frank Baum. Both were highly influential authors, with distinct styles and thematic concerns that reflect their unique literary goals.
Poe is renowned for his exploration of melancholy, death, and the human psyche. His works often delve into the darker aspects of existence, reflecting his own life experiences. For instance, poems like "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" convey a sense of tragic beauty, focusing on themes of loss and the haunting nature of memory. Poe's poetry is characterized by a rhythmic creation of beauty that often evokes feelings of despair and existential questioning.
In contrast, Baum's Oz series is fundamentally optimistic, emphasizing self-discovery, friendship, and the realization of one's potential. The characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz embark on journeys that lead them to understand their inner strengths—courage, intelligence, and heart—rather than seeking external validation or treasures. Baum’s world is one of wonder and adventure, aimed primarily at children but containing layers of social commentary about American society during his time.
Poe's stories frequently employ a first-person perspective that immerses readers in the narrator's psychological turmoil. His use of unreliable narrators creates an atmosphere of suspense. For example, in "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's descent into madness is vividly portrayed, leaving readers questioning the nature of reality itself.
Conversely, Baum employs a more straightforward narrative style that focuses on plot-driven adventures. His stories are characterized by whimsical elements and fantastical creatures, appealing to a sense of childlike wonder. The narrative structure often involves a quest where characters face challenges that lead to personal growth and self-realization. Baum’s use of humor and light-heartedness contrasts sharply with Poe’s largely somber tone.
Poe’s works are rich in symbolism related to death and the macabre. For example, the raven in "The Raven" symbolizes mourning and the permanence of loss. His poetry often uses dark imagery to evoke deep emotional responses from readers.
In Baum’s Oz, symbolism serves to convey deeper social messages. The Yellow Brick Road can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey toward self-discovery or the pursuit of dreams. The characters' quests symbolize various aspects of human experience—courage (the Lion), wisdom (the Scarecrow), and love (the Tin Man)—reflecting Baum’s belief in the inherent goodness within people.
While both Poe and Baum are pivotal figures in American literature, their works serve different purposes and resonate with readers in unique ways. Poe’s exploration of despair contrasts with Baum’s celebration of hope and self-discovery. This fundamental difference not only defines their individual literary legacies but also highlights the diverse landscape of American storytelling during their respective eras.
In Poe's literature, self-discovery often occurs through a lens of obsession, alienation, and psychological turmoil. His characters frequently grapple with their inner demons, leading to profound realizations about their identities, often in a tragic or unsettling context. For example, in poems like "Eldorado," the protagonist's quest for the mythical city symbolizes a deeper search for meaning and fulfillment, ultimately revealing the futility of such pursuits when they are rooted in obsession rather than genuine self-awareness.
Before we go any further, I’d like to read Poe’s El Dorado - and I will be referring to El Dorado again by comparing it to Oz nearer the end of this episode.
Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of Eldorado.
But he grew old—
This knight so bold—
And o’er his heart a shadow—
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like Eldorado.
And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow—
‘Shadow,’ said he,
‘Where can it be—
This land of Eldorado?’
‘Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,’
The shade replied,—
‘If you seek for Eldorado!’
Here the knight comes to the realization that true contentment lies not in the destination but in the journey. Throughout Poe’s works, characters face existential crises that compel them to confront their innermost fears and desires. Poe's exploration of self-discovery is deeply tied to themes of mortality and isolation. Characters such as those in "The Tell-Tale Heart" or "The Pit and the Pendulum" confront their psychological states in solitude, leading to revelations about their own natures amid the terror of death and madness. This often results in a bleak understanding of self that is marked by despair rather than enlightenment.
In stark contrast, Baum’s Oz series presents self-discovery as an inherently positive journey characterized by growth, friendship, and the realization of inherent strengths. Each character in the Oz series—Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion—embarks on a quest that leads them to discover qualities they believed they lacked. For instance, Dorothy learns about her bravery and resourcefulness, while - as you no likely know- the Scarecrow realizes he possesses intelligence despite his belief that he lacks a brain. This journey is framed as a collective adventure where mutual support among friends enhances personal growth, emphasizing that challenges can lead to self-realization and empowerment.
The underlying message of Baum’s narrative is that self-discovery is not only achievable but also essential for personal fulfillment. The characters' experiences symbolize universal human struggles—overcoming doubt and recognizing one's potential—set against the backdrop of a fantastical world that encourages exploration and optimism.
So while both Poe and Baum address themes of self-discovery, their approaches diverge significantly. Poe’s works delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche, revealing truths through suffering and isolation. In contrast, Baum’s Oz series celebrates self-discovery as an uplifting journey marked by companionship and personal growth. What role does the journey play in the self-discovery themes of Poe and Baum
Now the role of the journey in the self-discovery themes of Edgar Allan Poe and L. Frank Baum is pivotal, yet it manifests in starkly contrasting ways reflective of their differing literary styles and thematic focuses.
In Poe's poetry and stories, the journey often symbolizes a descent into despair and psychological turmoil rather than a straightforward path to enlightenment. For instance, in the previous poem "Eldorado," the knight's quest for the fabled city represents a lifelong search for meaning and fulfillment. Initially filled with hope, the knight's journey ultimately leads him to despair as he realizes that Eldorado may be unattainable, reflecting Poe's own struggles with depression and existential dread. The journey here is not about finding external treasure but rather confronting the internal battles that define one’s existence.
Poe’s characters frequently embark on journeys that are solitary and fraught with alienation, emphasizing themes of loneliness and madness. In stories like "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," the protagonists confront their fears alone, leading to profound insights about their identities, often culminating in tragic realizations about their lives. Thus, in Poe's works, the journey serves as a vehicle for exploring the darker aspects of self-discovery—highlighting how external quests can mirror internal struggles.
Conversely, in L. Frank Baum's Oz series, the journey is fundamentally transformative and empowering. Each character—Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion—embarks on a quest that is not only physical but also deeply symbolic of personal growth and self-realization. Throughout their travels in Oz, they face challenges that reveal their inherent strengths: Dorothy learns about her bravery and resourcefulness, while her companions discover qualities they believed they lacked.
Baum’s narrative emphasizes friendship and collaboration, suggesting that self-discovery is often enhanced through shared experiences. The journey becomes a collective adventure where characters support one another, reinforcing the idea that personal growth is interconnected with relationships. Unlike Poe’s solitary quests leading to despair, Baum’s journeys culminate in positive affirmations of identity and purpose.
Comparative Analysis
So while in Poe - the nature of the journey is characterized by being alone and fraught with despair, L. Frank Baum views the journey as collective and empowering. With Poe, the outcome of the journey often results in tragic realizations about the self, while with L. Frank Baum, the journey results in positive affirmations of inner strengths. Poe tends to explore such themes as alienation, madness, and existential dread, and L. Frank Baum explores such themes as friendship, courage, and self-worth.
While both Poe and Baum utilize journeys as central motifs in their narratives about self-discovery, they diverge significantly in tone and purpose. Poe’s journeys often reflect inner turmoil and existential despair, leading to tragic insights about identity. In contrast, Baum’s journeys celebrate growth through friendship and adventure, culminating in affirmations of personal strength and fulfillment.
Now In L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the characters undergo significant self-discovery through their journeys, each learning vital truths about themselves that challenge their initial beliefs. Here’s how their adventures contribute to their personal growth. For example, Dorothy begins her journey as a young girl who feels trapped in her mundane life in Kansas, longing for adventure and a sense of belonging. She believes that happiness lies elsewhere, specifically in a magical land.
As she travels through Oz, Dorothy faces various challenges that test her courage and resourcefulness. Throughout her adventures, she learns that true strength comes from within and that she possesses the qualities of bravery and leadership. Her repeated assertion that "there's no place like home" signifies her realization that home is not just a physical location but a state of emotional security and love. By the end of her journey, she understands the importance of self-acceptance and the value of her own abilities to navigate life's challenges.
The Scarecrow believes that he lacks intelligence, thinking he needs a brain to be worthy and effective. But throughout the journey, he consistently demonstrates cleverness and problem-solving skills, often coming up with solutions to obstacles they face. His experiences reveal that he already possesses the intelligence he seeks; it was his self-doubt that clouded his perception. This realization underscores the theme that self-worth is often undermined by misguided beliefs about one's capabilities1.
The Tin Woodman longs for a heart, believing that without one, he cannot experience love or empathy. However, despite his belief, he consistently shows deep compassion towards others throughout their journey. His acts of kindness demonstrate that emotional depth is not contingent on possessing a physical heart but rather on one's capacity for empathy and connection with others. By the end of the story, he learns that he has always had the ability to love and care for others, challenging the notion that he lacked emotional depth.
The Cowardly Lion sees himself as cowardly and believes he lacks courage. But as the group of travelers face various dangers together, the Lion repeatedly acts bravely to protect his friends, ultimately realizing that true courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. His journey teaches him about bravery and self-acceptance, leading him to understand that he has always had courage within him.
In The Wizard of Oz, each character's journey serves as a metaphor for self-discovery, illustrating how personal challenges can lead to profound realizations about one's identity. The narrative emphasizes that qualities such as intelligence, compassion, courage, and leadership are often inherent within individuals but may be obscured by self-doubt or societal labels. Through their adventures in Oz, Dorothy and her companions learn to embrace their true selves, highlighting Baum's message that self-discovery is a vital part of personal growth and fulfillment.
At the beginning of the story, Dorothy is portrayed as an innocent and somewhat sheltered girl living in Kansas. Her desire to escape her mundane life reveals her yearning for adventure and a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. The cyclone that transports her to Oz symbolizes a disruptive force that thrusts her into unfamiliar territory, mirroring the tumultuous transition from childhood to adulthood.
Throughout her adventures in Oz, Dorothy encounters various challenges that compel her to confront her fears and assumptions. For instance, she must navigate dangerous situations, such as facing the Wicked Witch and traversing the treacherous poppy fields. These experiences force her to develop resilience and courage, essential traits for adulthood.
Leadership and Responsibility
As Dorothy journeys through Oz, she naturally assumes a leadership role among her companions—the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. Her ability to inspire and guide them reflects her growth into a responsible individual who can take charge of her destiny. This transition from passive participant to active leader is a hallmark of the coming-of-age narrative, illustrating how she learns to assert herself and make decisions that affect not only her fate but also those of others.
Dorothy's interactions with her companions further highlight her development. By assisting them in their quests for self-discovery—helping the Scarecrow realize his intelligence, the Tin Woodman understand his capacity for love, and the Cowardly Lion recognize his courage—she simultaneously aids in her own growth. This reciprocal relationship emphasizes that maturity often involves helping others while navigating one’s own path.
Ultimately, Dorothy's desire to return home signifies her acceptance of herself and her roots. By the end of the story, she realizes that the power to return home was within her all along, symbolizing a newfound self-awareness and confidence. This realization aligns with classic coming-of-age narratives where protagonists learn that their true strength lies not in external validation but in their inner qualities.
In conclusion, Dorothy's journey in The Wizard of Oz exemplifies a classic coming-of-age narrative through themes of self-discovery, leadership, and acceptance. Her transformation from an innocent girl into a confident leader reflects the universal journey toward adulthood, emphasizing that true growth often arises from facing challenges and helping others along the way. This narrative resonates with readers as it encapsulates the essence of personal devel
Of course, Edgar Poe has far more plots and stories than L. Frank Baum’s series about Oz, but I would like to talk just a minute about the the transition in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Edgar Poe’s El Dorado
You see, the themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of an ideal in Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Eldorado" and L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz reflect contrasting perspectives on the quest for fulfillment and the nature of happiness. Both works utilize the concept of a journey—both literal and metaphorical—to explore these themes.
In Poe's "Eldorado," the desired city represents an unattainable ideal, symbolizing the elusive nature of happiness and success. The knight's journey in search of Eldorado begins with hope but quickly devolves into despair as he realizes that his quest may be futile. The poem suggests that some dreams, no matter how fervently pursued, are ultimately beyond reach. The knight's encounter with the "pilgrim shadow" at the end signifies a confrontation with death, emphasizing that life’s pursuits can lead to disillusionment rather than fulfillment. This reflects Poe's own struggles with depression and the notion that relentless pursuit can result in a sense of emptiness rather than satisfaction.
The knight’s journey through various landscapes—"over the mountains of the moon" and "down the valley of the shadow"—serves as a metaphor for life's challenges and the inevitability of mortality. His realization that Eldorado is not attainable in this world underscores a poignant commentary on the human condition: that some aspirations are inherently unreachable, leading to existential reflection.
In contrast, Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz presents a more optimistic view of self-discovery through its journey along the Yellow Brick Road. Dorothy's adventure in Oz is marked by encounters that help her realize her own strengths and capabilities. Each character she meets—the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion—embarks on their own quests for self-identity, ultimately discovering that they already possess what they seek: intelligence, compassion, and courage.
Even the road itself symbolizes a path to personal growth and understanding. Unlike Poe’s knight, who faces despair, Dorothy’s journey is filled with lessons about friendship, bravery, and self-acceptance. The bright colors and fantastical elements of Oz contrast sharply with the dark undertones of "Eldorado," suggesting that while both journeys involve searching for something greater, Baum’s narrative emphasizes that fulfillment can only be found within oneself through experience and connection with others.
To quickly compare the two works - in ElDorado, the nature of the journey is basically a solitary quest leading to despair, while the Wizard of Oz points to a collective adventure leading to empowerment. While Eldorado symbolizes unattainable dreams, the Wizard of Oz symbolizes personal growth. And while the outcome of ElDorado is the realization of futility and an existential reflection, the Wizard of Oz series ultimately results in hope and personal fulfillment. And while the outcome of ElDorado is the realization of futility and existential futility, the outcome of the Wizard of Oz series is the discovery of inner strength and the affirmation of inner-self-worth.
In summary, both "Eldorado" and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz utilize journeys to explore themes of self-discovery but arrive at vastly different conclusions about the nature of fulfillment. Poe’s works often reflect a somber acknowledgment of unattainable ideals and the shadows that accompany relentless pursuit, while Baum’s narrative celebrates growth through friendship and adventure, suggesting that true happiness lies within oneself rather than in distant dreams. These contrasting perspectives enrich our understanding of human aspirations and the complexities inherent in the search for meaning.
In conclusion, the characters in Edgar Allan Poe's works and those in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz present contrasting archetypes, particularly when examining the typical Poe hero compared to the more optimistic figures in Baum's narrative. It is important to remember that many of Poe’s characters face a confrontation with death or mortality, either through their actions or through the spectral presence of lost loved ones. This confrontation often serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and existential questioning, as seen in works like "The Raven," where the narrator grapples with grief and the permanence of loss. That’s one reason why The Wonderful Wizard of Ox is ultimately such an enjoyable work of art.
Sources for this episode include The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, by Edgar Allan Poe, edited by James Albert Harrison, The Poe Log: A Documentary Life of Edgar Allan Poe by Dwight R. Thomas and David K. Jackson, The Reason for the Darkness of the Night by John Tresch, Poe and Place by Phillip Edward Phillips, Poe in His Own Time by Benjamin F. Fisher, and The Story of the British Museum by Marjorie Caygill, and The Afterlife of Edgar Allan Poe by Scott Peoples.
In the next episode, I will read with the first two chapters of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and continue for a total of 12 episodes until the book is finished - think of it as gifts for the 12 days of Christmas - and I believe the story is truly fascinating. - some of the 1999 book might be familiar and some will definitely be new to you.
Thank you for listening to Celebrate Poe.