3. The Scarecrow stands as an allegory for Midwestern farmers and the troubles facing them in late 19th century America
The Scarecrow is another secondary character in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, and who likewise joins Dorothy on her mission. Convinced he does not possess a brain after being mocked by an old crow, and with its intelligence, the Scarecrow desires above all else to be smart like the others. In actuality, however, the Scarecrow is only two days old and demonstrates that in spite of this he already possesses the intelligence he seeks, being declared “the wisest man in all of Oz” and appointed interim ruler of the Emerald City by the end of the novel.
Like the Tin Man, contained within a childish exterior the Scarecrow acts as a political allegory for Midwestern farmers in late 19th century America. The Scarecrow faces considerable ridicule by the crows, among other characters, resulting in a “terrible sense of inferiority and self-doubt” comparable to that felt by many Kansas farmers in the 1890s; an example of this historical attitude is reflected in a newspaper editorial of 1896, accusing said farmers of “ignorance, irrationality, and general muddle-headedness” for their political opinions. In contrast to this prevailing opinion, Baum suggests that just like the Scarecrow the supposed dumb hicks of the Midwest, typically supporters of the populist politics sweeping the nation at the turn of the century, are in fact not simpletons but rather insightful and quick-witted individuals possessing brains all along.