Final answer:
Aven likely thought Zion should play the lion in 'The Wizard of Oz' because the lion represents political leaders with a lack of courage, a trait that Zion might parallel and overcome in the story, reflecting the historical and political allegory intended by L. Frank Baum.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the allegorical reading of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, the character of the Cowardly Lion represents political figures of the time, notably William Jennings Bryan, who was criticized for his lack of decisiveness and courage in the political realm. Baum uses the Cowardly Lion to embody leaders failing to advocate for their constituents against powerful interests. Aven, in this context, likely thought Zion should be the lion in a production of The Wizard of Oz because Zion might have characteristics that parallel those of the Cowardly Lion, such as a powerful presence or a perceived lack of courage, which they possibly overcome during the story. This choice might also reflect an understanding of the historical and political symbolism Baum intended with his characters, with the Cowardly Lion capturing the human struggle to find courage in the face of intimidating economic and political challenges.