Abstract: The centuries-old classic fairy tale The Wizard of Oz was written by Lyman Frank Baum. This fairy tale expresses a very rich theme and describes a journey of self-discovery about friendship, love, family, wisdom and courage. Dorothy, the protagonist of the fairy tale, met a scarecrow who wanted to get a thinking brain in an unexpected adventure, a tin logger who wanted an active heart, a timid lion who desperately wanted courage.  They shared each other with their own afflictions and joys, and spent an incredible strange experience together, and finally realized their wishes. That’s why This fairy tale has become a century-old classic and worth studying. This thesis explores the similarities and differences between the cultural connotations of Eastern and Western children's literature through the study of the novel The Wizard of Oz. By the study of the color descriptions in the novel The Wizard of Oz, the description of the characters in fairy tales and the differences and similarities of the  fairy tales can enable everyone to better understand the differences and similarities between Eastern and Western cultures.

Key words: Wizard of Oz; friendship; self-discovery; Eastern and Western children's literature

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I. The Character’s images modified by Colors-3

A. The Comparative Analysis of Blue-3

B. The Comparative Analysis of Green-4

C. The Comparative Analysis of Red-5

II. Description of characters in fairy tales-7

A. Characters Description-7

B. The Difference in Characters Description-7

C. Writing Traits-9

III. The Gist of a Fairy Tale-11

A. The Theme of The Wizard of Oz-11

B. The Subject of most Chinese Children’s Literature-12

C. The Difference in the Gist of a Fairy Tale-13

Conclusion-15

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgements-19