Final answer:
The Wizard of Oz and War of the Worlds share the theme of 'There's No Place Like Home', but differ in narrative focus and message. The Wizard of Oz is about personal discovery and home's value while War of the Worlds discusses societal vulnerability. The Wizard also contains political allegories not present in War of the Worlds.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the stories The Wizard of Oz and War of the Worlds, we can identify both similarities and differences. A key similarity is the theme of 'There's No Place Like Home', which is evident in Dorothy's realization in The Wizard of Oz that despite her adventures in various alien environments, she ultimately wishes to return home. This same sentiment can be extended metaphorically to mankind's curiosity about exploring other worlds in our solar system, as suggested by the statement highlighting that humans could only survive these environments with substantial artificial assistance.
The differences lie in the narrative and the underlining messages of both stories. The Wizard of Oz offers a more personal tale of self-discovery and the value of home, while War of the Worlds focuses on a broader commentary about society's vulnerability and the potential threats from external forces, such as a Martian invasion. Additionally, there is a layer of political commentary in The Wizard of Oz, with the Wizard's portrayal possibly reflecting a president's image and Dorothy's silver slippers (later ruby slippers) on the Yellow Brick Road symbolizing historical debates such as the gold standard versus a bimetallic system.