Required Reading:
Henry M. Littlefield, "The Wizard of Oz: Parable on Populism," American Quarterly 16:1 (Spring 1964), 47-58 [available on-line].
--then, for more on the monetary aspects of this parable, see Hugh Rockoff, "The 'Wizard of Oz' as Monetary Allegory," Journal of Political Economy 98:4 (August 1990), 739-760 [on-line].
For class, please skim the text of L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)--you have probably seen the movie, but it differs from the book in many key aspects. As you look at the book [on-line edition], you should:
1. Note at least three differences between it and the movie, keeping in mind that the book was written at the high point of political populism and agitation for "free silver," while the movie was made in the context of the Great Depression and the rise of fascism in Europe. [You might also want to think about how the film's relation to American history compares to that of the other great cinematic blockbuster of 1939, Gone with the Wind.]
2. Identify at least two passages that, in your opinion, support the interpretation of the book as a populist allegory. Also note any passages that you believe to contradict this interpretation.

Further Reading:
Stuart Culver, "What Manikins Want: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the Art of Decorating Dry Goods Windows," Representations 21 (winter 1988), 97-116 [on-line].
Anne Nesbet, "In Borrowed Balloons: The Wizard of Oz and the HIstory of Soviet Aviation," Slavic and East European Journal 45:1 (spring 2001), 80-95 [on-line].