Introduction
The master of the unexpected, Roald Dahl is beloved by children and adults alike for his delightfully twisted tales that often culminate in surprise endings. Dahl's unexpected plot twists are a hallmark of his writing style that imbue his stories with a sense of mystery, suspense, and satisfaction for the reader. This essay will examine Dahl's expert use of surprise endings across three of his most popular children's stories - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The Twits. By analyzing the elements of foreshadowing, character development, and ironic twists in these stories' surprise endings, this essay aims to demonstrate how Dahl skillfully crafted shocking yet fitting conclusions that have delighted generations of readers. Ultimately, it will show how Dahl's surprise endings leave a powerful impact and linger in the reader's mind long after the book is closed.
Roald Dahl: A Prolific Author of Children's Classics
Roald Dahl was a Welsh author born in 1916 who wrote extensively for children, though he also penned works for adults. He published his first children's story The Gremlins in 1943, which was a commercial success, and went on to write many more bestselling children's tales throughout his decades-long writing career until his death in 1990. Among his most popular children's stories were James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and The Witches, many of which have been adapted for film. A hallmark of Dahl's storytelling style is his use of dark humor, fantastical settings and characters, and unexpected surprise endings. His surprise conclusions shock the reader, yet ultimately make sense within the world of the story. Dahl's mastery of surprise earned him recognition as one of the preeminent children's storytellers of the 20th century.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: A Lesson in Consequences
In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the story builds up the mysterious, fantastical world of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory through songs, vignettes of its rooms, and Charlie's hopes of finding the last golden ticket. The other lucky children who win tickets demonstrate vices like gluttony and greed, so Charlie seems poised to win the factory as the most virtuous child. However, in a sudden twist, Charlie breaks the rules by drinking Fizzy Lifting Drink and narrowly avoids being shredded by the factory's fan. Wonka punishes him by denying him the promised lifetime supply of chocolate. This surprise reflects Dahl's characteristic ruthlessness and provides a moral lesson that actions bear consequences. Yet in the end, Wonka does give Charlie the factory, as his remorse makes him more deserving than the greedy competing children. Dahl defied expectations with this ending that punished the protagonist yet ultimately rewarded him for learning his lesson.
Matilda: Girl Power and the Surprising Triumph
Matilda's ending provides a different type of surprise - an unexpected demonstration of girl power. Matilda uses her telekinetic powers against the terrible headmistress Miss Trunchbull, first playing small pranks like tipping over a water jug onto her. This builds anticipation for Matilda's ultimate prank when Miss Trunchbull is about to punish a student for stealing her aunt's licorice. Matilda uses her mind to make the aunt seem to levitate outside the window, scaring Miss Trunchbull away for good. While Matilda's powers have been hinted at, the extent of her ability to scare off the mighty Trunchbull provides a satisfying and girl-power fueled twist. Justice has been served, and the beloved protagonist triumphs over evil through the surprising extent of her special gifts.
Controversy Over Roald Dahl's Morbid Surprise Endings
Some argue that Dahl's surprise endings are too morbid or nonsensical for children's stories. For example, in The Twits, the couple ultimately gets glued upside down to the floor and are eaten by birds. This gruesome image may seem inappropriately dark for young readers. However, Dahl's stories actually contain lessons against misbehavior and immorality. The Twits' nasty tricks earn them a punishment fitting of their vile nature. And the surprise endings ultimately restore justice in the fictional worlds. The shock factor makes the story more engaging and memorable for children. Through ironic, morbid twists, Dahl imparts values in a compelling way that sticks with readers.
Conclusion
In his legendary children's tales, Roald Dahl mastered the art of surprise endings that deliver justice in delightfully dark ways. Whether punishing misbehaving characters or showcasing a protagonist's power, Dahl's unexpected twists linger in readers' minds. His bold storytelling choices make his books unforgettable and greatly contribute to his legacy as a preeminent children's author. For generations to come, Dahl's surprise endings will continue to shock, amuse, and satisfy young readers.
