Yellow Brick Road: Post-reading Questions - English

1. The narrator's reason for moving to Wellington is money. It has been mentioned that they were poor and that they couldn't stay poor all the time. We can also comprehend their financial struggles as the limited space in the car and its problems. Moving to Wellington could ultimately change their lives, and fix their financial problems. 

2. The several differences between Wellington and Waituhi are the people. Throughout their drive to Wellington, people would be disrespectful towards them and sped past them without stopping. They also mentioned how there were fewer Pakeha in Waituhi and plenty in Wellington. 

3. Dad told Uncle Sam they were moving to Wellington because Dad had enough of shearing, the fruit-picking and the going down South to shear some more. Moving to Wellington could give them better jobs that pay more than the jobs they do at Waituhi. Overall, Dad wanted a new start for his kids so that they would grow up with everything.

4. The narrator's attitude changed once they got closer to the Emerald City (Wellington), he was excited and happy. Although, once he saw the numerous yellow signs that instructed them about the road. He began to feel scared and sang to himself to feel consoled. 

5. The Emerald City, Yellow Brick Road, Flying Monkeys, scarecrow, tinman and cowardly lion, are all allusions (references) to "The Wizard of Oz". I believe that Witi Ihimaera used references from The Wizard of Oz as the characters from The Wizard of Oz believed that by going to Emerald City, they will be helped. Similar to the characters from Witi Ihimaera, where the family is poor, resulting in the journey to go to the Emerald City (Wellington). They might not know what awaits at Emerald City, however, it could still fix their problems.