How does the wizard of oz relates to economics?

"The Wizard of Oz" can be interpreted through an economic lens, particularly in the context of the late 19th-century American economy. The characters and their journey symbolize various societal roles and economic struggles, such as the desire for a stable currency (the Yellow Brick Road representing gold), the quest for industrial power (the Tin Man), and the pursuit of education and progress (the Scarecrow). Additionally, the story critiques the idea of the American Dream, illustrating how individuals often seek external validation or solutions to their problems, paralleling economic themes of dependency and empowerment.