‘You ought to be ashamed of yourself’ (1900)

Welcome to an enchanting exploration of William Wallace Denslow's 1900 illustration, titled "You ought to be ashamed of yourself." This vibrant piece captures a pivotal moment from the beloved tale of "The Wizard of Oz," bringing to life the characters in Denslow's unique artistic style.In this scene, we find a bold and compassionate Dorothy Gale confronting the Cowardly Lion, who seems both fearsome and forlorn with his large, expressive eyes and slouched posture. Dorothy, undeterred by the lion’s imposing size, scolds him gently yet firmly, which reflects her bravery and kind-hearted nature. Notice how her finger is raised, emphasizing her admonishment.Behind her, the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow stand as observers. The Tin Woodman, with his shiny, metallic body, stands upright and stoic, while the Scarecrow, characterized by his lanky, floppy form, leans forward with a hand to his chin, reflecting perhaps a mix of curiosity and concern.Offsetting this central interaction, Toto, Dorothy’s loyal and feisty canine companion, adds an element of motion to the composition, captured in mid-bark toward the sad figure of the lion. Furthermore, the illustration includes a defeated looking figure on the ground, possibly illustrating the earlier events where the Lion's actions caused dismay.Denslow's use of bold lines and a primary color palette accentuates the illustrative quality typical of children's literature at the time. The forest background and the golden yellow brick road provide a vivid setting that contrasts wonderfully with the characters, highlighting their journey in the land of Oz.This piece is not only a delightful depiction but also a meaningful scene that conveys themes of courage, empathy, and friendship.