You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.

Glinda the Good Witch in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Why do some stories, such as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, stand the test of time while others fade into obscurity? For one thing, the great ones can be fathomed on multiple levels, including, but not limited to, a simply enjoyable read. A great story can be easily described:

It often has universal appeal while lending itself to at least one discrete interpretation. For example:

Other possible interpretations are often elaborate and contradictory. But one thing’s for certain. A great story is like pie: you don’t have to know what’s in it to like it, but mulling over its qualities can be mighty sweet, too.