File Under: Wizard of Oz symbolism, puppet master, CEO money and power,
It’s impossible to deny the impact The Wizard of Oz has had in terms of symbolism of the puppet master. Of course, in true Hollywood style, the man behind the curtain was lovable and small. In reality, that man is neither nice nor lovable, his influence is anything but small. In Mary Courage, that man is CEO.
Previous installments
Part 1: Mother Mary Courage
Part 2: The Story of Mary Courage
Part 3: Who is Mary Courage?
Part 4: Meet the Children
Pronounced “see-oh”, CEO is the one with the money and power. He lives it up behind the curtain and leaves the grunt work to Mary. Most of all, CEO is a provider, offering up all the desires for which everyone strives: flesh, money, influence, notoriety. He is, without a doubt, the most powerful man in Washington.
But as much as he thinks he is a god, he’s simply not. He needs others to help him achieve his ultimate goal of infinite power and money. When he wants to get his message out to the people, he scornfully deals with Adme, the advertising and media Siamese twins who are conjoined at the head. As these broadcast bigwigs are often negotiating from different angles, CEO easily gets the better of them.
The traditionally calm and confident CEO is rattled by the freshman Senator from Depression. This singer, this political novice, could cost him billions of dollars if he and his public appeal turns the tide against the funding of the war.
Although this character seldom appears, he has my favorite lines in the whole play. He would tell you, “of course, I do.”
