Salman Rushdie Wizard of Oz

Salman Rushdie's analysis of The Wizard of Oz takes an approach to the film that I had never originally thought of myself. Rushdie explains that the message "there's no place like home" is in fact a contradiction of the story line. While Dorothy's time apart from Kansas makes her appreciate her home and her family (which I took away as the message of the movie - to be grateful for  what you have), Rushdie argues that Dorothy was extraordinary happy in the land of Oz and developed most while there. From acting as a guardian figure to the scarecrow, tin man, and lion, to learning to be more brave, Dorothy's character matures and develops from Kansas to Oz. When Dorothy leaves Oz she is saddened to go, but all she has the wanted the whole time was to return to Kansas.

I understand Rushdie's point and think it is an interesting and easily arguable point of view. However, I feel as though he is missing the central theme. While Oz seems like a beautiful place and was the birthing place for Dorothy's amazing friendships, I think her time in Oz makes her appreciate her family and home because she realizes how much she misses them. Therefore, I do not think the message of "there is no place like home" is contradictory to the plot.