Synopsis: In this unit, students focus on how L. Frank Baum uses adjectives in the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and how they contribute to characterizing Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. Students learn to think critically about the adjectives that Baum chooses to describe his characters and whether they can trust Baum with his descriptions, leading to a discussion on irony and its effect on the novel. Students then use the information gleaned from their characterization study to develop and analyze themes in the novel.