Borderline Personality Disorder in Oz

Dorothy, the heroine of The Wizard of Oz is oftentimes viewed as an innocent victim manipulated by those around her. However, that view ignores the very real role that Dorothy played in bringing about the negative events in the movie. From allowing her dog, Toto, to run free and bite a neighbor, to running away from her aunt and uncle when they tell her that she will have to give up Toto since he has bitten someone, she engages in behavior that is both irresponsible and impulsive. Impulsive behavior and irrational behavior are only two of the character traits of borderline personality disorder that Dorothy appears to have, bringing into question whether she is an appropriate heroine.

Some of the most common symptoms of borderline personality disorder include: intense emotions and mood swings; harmful, impulsive behaviors; relationship problems; low self-worth; a fear of being abandoned;...
[ View Full Essay]