The Wizard of Oz Metaphors

The Wizard of Oz metaphors are playfully used on some Web sites to characterize the often difficult interpersonal relationship dynamics experienced with individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz (circa 1900) is a classic in children’s literature, however, it is best known from its 1939 screenplay adaptation (Warner Brothers).

In the metaphor, the family member or the significant other in a BPD relationship is the protagonist, Dorothy Gale.


Kansas and Oz

An individual in a borderline relationship occasionally finds the borderline person ("BP") operating with apperceptions, possibly even in a psychotic break, where "facts" are directed from emotions, not the other way around. The "Oz" metaphor is used to characterize this reality.


The Cyclone

Often, after being exposed over time to emotional abuse and rage, an individual interfacing with a borderline begins to accept these apperceptions as being valid, especially as they relate to themselves, and they try to compensate for them in the eyes of the borderline person.

The cyclone metaphor depicts this process as the "Kansas Cyclone" that uprooted Dorothy's life one day and transported her to Oz.


The Poppy Fields

Individuals with BPD often feel love and hate for those closest to them - they can vacillate from idealizing someone to de-valuing them. The poppy fields are a metaphor for intermittent rewards (i.e., idealization) and the alluring affect they have.

"Something with poison in it, but attractive to the eye and soothing to the smell! Heh, heh, heh, heh, heh, heh, heh!" - Wicked Witch of the West.

Like Dorothy, an individual cannot make sense of their own feeelings or the relationship with a BP until they "break this spell" in their own mind.

The Wizard

An individual in a borderline relationship often preservers in vain to "reach" the borderline, believing that when they do, the borderline will understand, and will change, and this will solve the relationship problems. The partner is looking for an "outward directed" solution. "If only I give the borderline what they want... one more time... if only... "

In the Wizard of Oz chronicle, all of the main characters believe the Wizard can solve the plight in their lives; if they can reach him. "Surely, he will want to help us and all our problems will be solved."

When the characters they finally reach the Wizard they find him to be mean and abusive. Despite being incredibly terrified, Dorothy continues to press for solutions, that are never coming. Finally her dog reveal the Wizard. He is powerless man that uses meanness and abuse (and pyrotechnics) to create an image; one that even he, himself, is uncomfortable with.


The Tin Woodman

On Dorothy’s journey through Oz, she meets 3 characters that help her find her way back to Kansas. These characters represent the very things that an individual in a borderline relationship needs to find their way back.

In the book, the tin man needs a heart. Similarily, an individual in a borderline relationship often needs a heart to love themself. In the book, the tin man, discovers that he didn't need help from the Wizard, rather he had the power to love all along.


The Scarecrow

The scarecrow represented the desire for wisdom. And, like the tin man with his desire to love, the scarecrow possessed the ability to think all along. Similarily, an individual in a borderline relationship has the ability to think through the complexity of their relationship.


The Cowardly Lion

The lion felt he did not possess courage. But, like the tin man, and the scarecrow, an individual in a borderline relationship also possesses courage; the courage to stand up for themself; protect the children; enforce boundaries.


The Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City

Emerald City represents the end of the journey through OZ for Dorothy and brings her to enlightenment - and her trip home.

An individual in a borderline relationship needs to reach their own "Emerald City" (make a decision), motivated by their ability to love and respect themself, and driven by the wisdom of what they must do.

The Silver Shoes (Ruby Slippers*)

And when they do, they must act (resolve their plight). It may mean doing the unthinkable. It may mean fighting their own emotions ("the lure of the Poppies").

It's important to stay on the path. Even more important to remember that the "journey"; the thinking, the agonizing, the learning will all mean little if they do not lead to a point of action; to a point of change; to the point when Dorothy (you) finally "click your heels together three times and say, there's no place like home".

* Used in the1939 film adaptation (photo's)

	Comment or suggestion? What are you commenting on? The Wizard of Oz Metaphors ---------------------------------- moderators ----------------------------------

Departments:
Guidelines | Resources | Support Us | Contact Us

Articles:
How a Borderline Relationship Evolves.
Are You in a Relationship with a Borderline Personality
Borderline Personality Disorder-Clinical
Borderline Personality Disorder -Laymen
How Can I Help The Borderline In My Life
Stop Walking on Eggshells
How To Manage a BPD Relationship
Borderline Loved One Serious About Therapy?
Leaving A Partner with Borderline Personalty Disorder
PhD On-Line Cognitive Therapy Program
University Stop Being Tortured by Your Own Thoughts
When Our Emotional Issues Affect Our True Availability
When the Sex is Too Important
Characteristics of Healthy Relationships
The Wizard of Oz Metaphors
Children of Mothers with Borderline Personality Disorder
How to Forgive an Abusive Parent
Falling in Love with an Unavailable Person
Boundaries Tools of Respect
The Mystery of Loving an Abuser
BPD Awareness Month