What Color Were Dorothy's Slippers In The Book

Dorothy's iconic slippers in "The Wizard of Oz" are famously ruby red, shimmering under the bright lights of the Emerald City. But this vibrant image, deeply etched in popular culture, stems from the beloved 1939 film adaptation. In L. Frank Baum's original novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," published in 1900, the slippers were a different color altogether: silver. This seemingly minor detail highlights a fascinating divergence between the book and its cinematic counterpart, reflecting changing societal values and technological advancements.

The Silver Shoes in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"

In Baum's novel, Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, finds herself transported to the magical Land of Oz after a cyclone. When her house lands on and inadvertently kills the Wicked Witch of the East, Dorothy inherits the witch's magical shoes. These shoes are not ruby red, but rather silver, and they play a crucial role in Dorothy's journey back home.

The silver shoes are introduced early in the story, immediately establishing their significance. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, tells Dorothy that the shoes possess powerful magic, although she doesn't know exactly what that magic is. Dorothy is instructed to keep the shoes safe and wear them at all times, as they will protect her on her quest to find the Wizard of Oz and return to Kansas.

Throughout her adventures, Dorothy relies on the silver shoes for protection and guidance. They help her traverse the Yellow Brick Road, overcome obstacles, and evade dangers. While the shoes don't explicitly grant her wishes or provide immediate solutions, they act as a constant source of security and empowerment. Dorothy understands that these shoes are the key to getting back home.

Why Silver, Not Ruby Red?

The choice of silver for the slippers in Baum's novel was not arbitrary. It reflected specific political and economic contexts prevalent in America at the time. In the late 19th century, the United States was grappling with a fierce debate over monetary policy, specifically the gold standard versus bimetallism (the use of both gold and silver as currency).

The Silver Standard and Populist Movement

The silver standard was a central tenet of the Populist movement, a political uprising advocating for the interests of farmers and laborers against the perceived dominance of wealthy elites and bankers. Populists believed that expanding the money supply by including silver would alleviate debt burdens, increase commodity prices, and empower ordinary citizens. The gold standard, on the other hand, was favored by financial institutions and industrialists who believed it ensured economic stability and prevented inflation.

L. Frank Baum, who had a keen interest in politics and social issues, subtly incorporated these themes into "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Many scholars interpret the silver shoes as an allegory for the silver standard. The Yellow Brick Road, representing the gold standard, leads to the Emerald City (Washington D.C.), symbolizing political power. Dorothy's journey along this road, aided by the silver shoes, can be seen as a representation of the Populist movement's quest to challenge the established economic order and reach the center of power.

Symbolism of Silver

Beyond its political implications, silver also held symbolic significance in the late 19th century. It was associated with purity, protection, and magic. Silver was often used in jewelry and amulets for its perceived protective qualities, and it was believed to ward off evil spirits. These associations likely contributed to Baum's decision to make the slippers silver, reinforcing their magical properties and their role in safeguarding Dorothy.

The Shift to Ruby Red: A Cinematic Transformation

When Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) adapted "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" into a Technicolor film in 1939, a significant change was made: the silver shoes were transformed into ruby red slippers. This alteration was primarily driven by aesthetic and technological considerations.

The Power of Technicolor

The 1939 film was a groundbreaking achievement in Technicolor filmmaking. Technicolor was a relatively new process that allowed for vibrant and saturated colors on screen. The studio wanted to showcase the full potential of this technology, and the ruby red slippers provided an excellent opportunity to do so. The bright red color would stand out dramatically against the Yellow Brick Road and the lush landscapes of Oz, creating a visually stunning effect that would captivate audiences.

Enhancing Visual Appeal

Red is a powerful and emotive color, associated with passion, energy, and excitement. By making the slippers ruby red, the filmmakers aimed to enhance their visual appeal and make them more memorable for viewers. The shimmering ruby red slippers became an instant icon, symbolizing the magic and wonder of Oz.

Loss of Political Subtext

While the change to ruby red enhanced the film's visual impact, it also diminished the political subtext present in Baum's original novel. The silver shoes' connection to the silver standard and the Populist movement was lost in translation. The film focused more on the fantasy and adventure aspects of the story, appealing to a broader audience without delving into complex economic issues.

The Enduring Legacy of the Ruby Red Slippers

Despite the historical and literary significance of the silver shoes, the ruby red slippers have become the definitive image associated with "The Wizard of Oz." The film's immense popularity and enduring cultural impact have cemented the ruby red slippers in the collective imagination.

The ruby red slippers have been replicated countless times in movies, television shows, stage productions, and merchandise. They have become a symbol of hope, dreams, and the power of believing in oneself. The phrase "There's no place like home," uttered by Dorothy as she clicks her heels together, has become one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history.

Comparing Silver and Ruby Red: A Summary

The Magic Remains

Whether silver or ruby red, the magical shoes in "The Wizard of Oz" represent something profound: the power within each of us to overcome challenges and find our way home. While the color may have changed, the underlying message of self-discovery, courage, and the importance of believing in oneself remains timeless.

The story of Dorothy's journey resonates with audiences of all ages because it speaks to the universal desire for belonging and the realization that everything we need is often already within us. The slippers, regardless of their hue, serve as a reminder that even in the most fantastical of worlds, the greatest magic lies in our own hearts.

FAQ About Dorothy's Slippers

• Were Dorothy's slippers always ruby red? No, in L. Frank Baum's original novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," the slippers were silver.
• Why were the slippers changed to ruby red in the film? Primarily for aesthetic reasons. The filmmakers wanted to showcase the vibrant colors of Technicolor and believed that ruby red would be more visually appealing and memorable.
• What did the silver slippers symbolize in the book? They are often interpreted as an allegory for the silver standard, a key issue in American politics during the late 19th century.
• Did the slippers have the same powers in the book and the film? The fundamental power of the slippers – to transport Dorothy home – remained consistent. However, the film simplified some aspects of their magic.
• Are the ruby red slippers the most famous movie prop of all time? They are certainly among the most famous and recognizable. Several pairs of the original ruby red slippers from the 1939 film still exist and are highly valued collector's items.
• Where can I see the original ruby red slippers? Several pairs are housed in museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
• What is the significance of "There's no place like home"? This phrase, spoken by Dorothy as she clicks her heels together, represents the importance of appreciating one's roots, family, and the familiar comforts of home.
• Did L. Frank Baum approve of the change to ruby red? L. Frank Baum passed away in 1919, long before the 1939 film was released, so he was not involved in the adaptation.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Colors

The story of Dorothy's slippers is a fascinating example of how a seemingly minor detail can reveal significant cultural and historical context. The silver shoes of the book reflected the political and economic debates of the late 19th century, while the ruby red slippers of the film captured the magic and wonder of early Technicolor cinema.

Both versions of the slippers have left an indelible mark on popular culture, each resonating with audiences in different ways. The silver shoes offer a glimpse into a specific moment in American history, while the ruby red slippers embody the timeless themes of hope, dreams, and the power of believing in oneself. Ultimately, the color of the slippers may differ, but the magic of "The Wizard of Oz" remains constant, reminding us that there truly is no place like home.