The Scarecrow's Quest for Brains

The Scarecrow, lacking intelligence, seeks brains from the Wizard, only to discover that wisdom comes from experience.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

From the Cornfield

The Scarecrow's Birth A Lifeless Figure Dorothy finds a Scarecrow on a pole in a cornfield. He is stuffed with straw, with painted eyes, nose, and mouth. He wears an old blue hat and a faded blue suit. To her surprise, he speaks. The Scarecrow's Story He tells her he was made by a Munchkin farmer only two days ago. He heard the farmer and a friend talking, and learned about the world. An old crow convinced him that brains are the only things worth having. He feels foolish and wants to be wise. Joining the Quest Dorothy takes him off the pole. He is light and eager. He asks to go to the Emerald City to ask Oz for brains. Dorothy agrees. He becomes her loyal companion, carrying her basket and keeping watch.

Learning on the Road

The Scarecrow's Growing Wisdom Practical Solutions Throughout the journey, the Scarecrow often provides clever ideas. When they encounter a great ditch, he suggests the Lion carries them across. When the Kalidahs attack, he tells the Tin Woodman to chop the tree bridge. The Lion remarks that one would suspect he had brains. Self-Awareness Despite his good ideas, the Scarecrow insists he is foolish because he lacks brains. He is aware of his limitations but remains cheerful. He learns from each experience, even if he doesn't realize it. The Value of Friendship He develops a deep friendship with Dorothy and the others. He is kind and thoughtful, collecting nuts for Dorothy and covering her with leaves at night. His actions show a heart despite his lack of a heart.

The Audience with Oz

The Lovely Lady A Different Form When the Scarecrow is summoned to the Throne Room, he expects to see a great Head. Instead, he sees a lovely Lady with wings. She says she is Oz. He asks for brains. The Condition Oz says she will give him brains only if he kills the Wicked Witch of the West. The Scarecrow is surprised, but he agrees. He leaves sorrowfully, but with determination. The Promise of Reward Oz says that if he succeeds, he will get the best brains in the land. The Scarecrow returns to his friends and tells them. He is willing to risk everything for the chance to become wise.

The Scarecrow's Destruction

Torn Apart The Winged Monkeys' Attack While protecting Dorothy, the Winged Monkeys seize the Scarecrow. They pull all the straw from his clothes and head with their long fingers. His hat, boots, and clothes are bundled and thrown into the top branches of a tall tree. A Lifeless Pile The Scarecrow is reduced to a pile of clothes and a few bits of straw. He is no longer a functioning being. Dorothy and the others are captured, and the Scarecrow seems lost forever. The Hope of Rescue Despite his apparent destruction, the Scarecrow's clothes are still intact. There is a chance he can be restored if the straw is replaced. This hope keeps Dorothy going.

Restoration and Return

Reborn The Search for the Scarecrow After the Witch is melted, Dorothy and the Winkies search for the Scarecrow. They find the tall tree where his clothes were thrown. The Tin Woodman chops it down, and the clothes fall out. Stuffed with Clean Straw Dorothy picks up the clothes. The Winkies bring clean straw and stuff the clothes, making a new Scarecrow. He is as good as ever. He thanks them all and is overjoyed to be reunited. The Journey Continues The Scarecrow is now back to his cheerful self. He helps plan the return to the Emerald City. His experience of being destroyed and restored has given him a new perspective, though he still longs for brains.

Receiving the Brains

The Great Humbug's Gift The Procedure Oz, revealed as a humbug, offers to give the Scarecrow brains. He takes the Scarecrow's head off, empties the straw, and fills it with a mixture of bran and pins and needles. He then fastens the head back on. The Result The Scarecrow feels wise. He thanks Oz warmly. He returns to his friends, his head bulging with 'brains.' The pins and needles sticking out are proof of his sharpness. The True Wisdom Oz tells him that he doesn't need brains because he learns every day. The Scarecrow, however, is satisfied. He believes he now has the ability to think. He eventually becomes the wise ruler of the Emerald City, proving that his experiences, not just the bran, made him wise.

Ruler of the Emerald City

The Wise Scarecrow The New King After Oz leaves in the balloon, the Scarecrow is made ruler of the Emerald City. The people love him. He sits on the throne and governs wisely, though he is still stuffed with straw. The Final Journey When Dorothy decides to go to the South, the Scarecrow insists on accompanying her, despite his new position. He feels he owes her everything. He leaves the city in the hands of the soldier and the Guardian. The Return to Rule After Glinda helps Dorothy, the Scarecrow is sent back to the Emerald City by the Winged Monkeys. He will rule there forever, a wise and beloved king. His journey from a simple scarecrow to a ruler is complete.

Early in the story

During the journey to the Emerald City

At the Emerald City

During the attack by the Winged Monkeys

After the Witch's death

After the discovery of Oz

After Oz's departure