Dorothy tells her Auntie Em that she didn’t think Mr. Stregone was a magic man at all. Em replies, “I think the idea of magic is sometimes more important than the magic itself” (p. 324). What do you think of her response? Do you think she’s right?

Book Clubs Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor Discussion
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Dorothy tells her Auntie Em that she didn’t think Mr. Stregone was a magic man at all. Em replies, “I think the idea of magic is sometimes more important than the magic itself” (p. 324). What do you think of her response? Do you think she’s right?

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We all need a little magic and pretending in our life at times so I think it was a fine response.

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The farmers on the prairie were in dire straits. Desperation leads to attempts to solve the problem. Thus the rainmaker found an easy target in people who needed hope. I think the magic was in the “hope” of a possible good outcome.
I liked Emily’s reply and think there was a lot of truth in that statement.

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I think that is like telling a little white lie. If it can make someone happy and it doesn’t hurt anyone, it’s okay.

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I love this quote. I do think we need things to believe in, for many that is a religion. Whenever I take a walk in nature, i feel a sense of peace. That may be magic, spirituality or just the power of nature. But we need to believe. Often, I have experienced what I would consider a kindness or blessing and while I try to be thankful, I also know I didn’t understand it all. So believe!