I found this book pretty enjoyable. The fact that the Tin Soldier and the Tin Woodman (and in a sense Chopfyt) having the same creation story was a bit repetitive, but overall the adventure was enjoyable and well paced. I also appreciated that familiar characters were featured in this book. I even now consider Polychrome to be a welcome addition to the stories even though I don't believe she was ever mentioned in any of the movies.
"'To wander from one's home is to encounter dangers and hardships, especially if one is made of meat and bone. Had you no friends in that corner of the Gillikin Country? Was it not homelike and comfortable?'
"'I had home and friends, your Honorable Strawness, but they were so quiet and happy and comfortable that I found them dismally stupid. Nothing in that corner of Oz interested me, but I believed that in other parts of the country I would find stranger people and see new sights, and so I have set out upon my wandering journey.'"
"'To learn is simple. Don't you ask questions?'
"'Yes; I ask as many questions as I dare; but some people refuse to answer questions.'
"That is not kind of them. If one does not ask for information he seldom receives it; so I, for my part, make it a rule to answer any civil question that is asked me.'"
"'This Tin Man is going to marry a nice girl through kindness, and not because he loves her, and somehow that doesn't seem quite right.'
"'Even so, I am not sure it isn't best for the girl, for a loving husband is not always kind, while a kind husband is sure to make any girl content.'"
"I never have friends, because friends get too familiar and always forget to mind their business."
"Be contented with your fate, for discontent leads to unhappiness, and unhappiness, in any form, is the greatest evil that can befall you."
"It is best to meet bravely what cannot be avoided."
"I am resolved never to speak again without taking time to think carefully on what I am going to say, for I realize that speech without thought is dangerous."
"Dear me! What unhappy thoughts you have, to be sure. This is proof that born brains cannot equal manufactured brains, for my brains dwell only on facts and never borrow trouble. When there is occasion for my brains to think, they think, but I would be ashamed of my brains if they kept shooting out thoughts that were merely fears and imaginings, such as do no good, but are likely to do harm."
"I won't say he is a husband to be proud of, because he has a mixed nature and isn't always an agreeable companion. There are times when I have to chide him gently, both with my tongue and with my broomstick. But he is my husband, and I must make the best of him"
"I think I'll keep the husband I now have. He is now trained to draw the water and carry in the wood and hoe the cabbages and weed the flower-beds and dust the furniture and perform many tasks of a like character. A new husband would have to be scolded - and gently chided - until he learns my ways. So I think it will be better to keep my Chopfyt."
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