You must give me the Golden Cup 1900

William Wallace Denslow created the illustration, You Must Give Me the Golden Cup, during a time when the cultural landscape was shifting. The Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by Denslow, was breaking away from traditional children's stories, offering a uniquely American fairy tale that reflected the country's evolving identity. Denslow's illustrations provide insights into early 20th-century perceptions of gender and power dynamics. We see Dorothy, a young girl, at the center of the narrative surrounded by iconic characters. Note the women in power: one regal and seated on a throne, the other a girl soldier. Their presence challenges the traditional damsel in distress. Meanwhile, the Cowardly Lion and Tin Man represent emotion and humanity. These characters, who are seeking something they believe they lack, mirror the human desire for completeness. Denslow's art invites us to consider how stories shape our understanding of ourselves. It reflects the emotional, social, and personal journeys we all take as we search for courage, heart, and home.