The Tin Woodman's Emotional Journey

The Tin Woodman, despite lacking a heart, experiences deep emotions and learns that true feeling comes from action, not a physical organ.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Heartless Man Cries

Tears of Rust The Beetle Incident The Tin Woodman accidentally steps on a beetle. He is very unhappy and cries. The tears run down his face and rust his jaws. He cannot speak until the Scarecrow oils him. The Lesson Learned He learns to look where he steps. He resolves to be careful not to hurt any living creature. He says that people with hearts have something to guide them, but he must be careful. The Paradox He has no heart, yet he feels sorrow and compassion. His actions are more kind than many who have hearts. He is a gentle soul.

The Rescue of the Mouse

A Kind Deed The Wildcat Chase While Dorothy sleeps, a wildcat chases a field mouse. The Tin Woodman, seeing the danger, kills the wildcat with his axe. He saves the mouse's life. The Queen's Gratitude The mouse is the Queen of the Field Mice. She thanks him and says her subjects will serve him. This leads to the rescue of the Lion from the poppy field. The Woodman's Modesty He says he has no heart, so he is careful to help all who need a friend. His kindness is genuine, even without a physical heart.

The Joy of a Heart

The Silk Heart The Gift Oz gives the Tin Woodman a heart made of silk and stuffed with sawdust. He feels it rattle in his chest. He is overjoyed. The Tears of Joy When reunited with the Scarecrow, he weeps tears of joy. Dorothy has to wipe them away so he doesn't rust. He is happy to have a heart. The True Heart Oz tells him that hearts often make people unhappy, but the Woodman doesn't care. He wanted a heart to love. He already has the capacity to love; the heart is just a symbol. His emotional journey culminates in his acceptance of himself.

During the journey

During the poppy field episode

After receiving the heart