It’s a simple question, but one that has interested people for decades; where does the red brick road go?
The red brick road is most commonly associated with the classic film, The Wizard of Oz. In it, Dorothy and her friends take a journey down the yellow brick road in search of a wizard who can grant them the things they most desire – courage, a brain, a heart, and a way back home. The bright yellow road is put in stark contrast against the darker red brick road that they occasionally pass. This road is mysterious, and its direction or purpose never explored.
In truth, this red brick road doesn’t have a simple answer. It’s hard to pin down where or even if the path leads somewhere. In this film, the red brick roads can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The most popular theory is that the red brick road symbolizes a path to evil, possibly even hell, while the yellow brick road symbolizes the path of righteousness and good. This idea of a black and white path of salvation is popular in literature and myth. The color of the roads can also be seen as a way to symbolize Dorothy’s journey and her choices.
The most popular interpretation for the red brick road is that it symbolizes the temptations that one encounters on their journey. Dorothy has a desire to find adventure and the red brick road could represent the lure of an exciting, dangerous, and unpredictable journey. It could also symbolize the feeling of being overwhelmed by the power of evil. The fact that it often passes the yellow brick road further cements the idea that the two paths intersect or even run parallel at times, representing the balance between good and evil.
The other theory is that the red brick road is actually a road to redemption. This interpretation states that Dorothy is meant to be confronted and tested by the dark, dangerous aspects of life in order to find the true way of understanding, growth, and redemption. In this sense, the red brick road could symbolize growth and the potential to overcome temptation and decisiveness.
At the end of the day, there is no definite answer to the question of ‘where does the red brick road go?’ However, it’s undeniable that the path holds a powerful symbolism for the underlying conflicts in the film. Whether it’s a symbol of temptation, redemption, or both, the red brick represents a journey and an opportunity to confront the darker aspects of life.