Analysing Roald Dahl’s Works For Children As a Means of Social Criticism

Roald Dahl is one of the best-known authors of the 20th century when it comes to works for children and his style is characterized by his significant use of irony and satire. Even though many of his books have become children’s classics, not many studies have been conducted on the societal view in his books and the elements of social criticism. This study analyzes the social aspect of Dahl’s works for children, through investigating the means, subjects and significance of the social criticism. Dahl uses certain methods to convey the message of social criticism in his works. The most commonly used methods are making bad characters go through a “bad ending”, creating certain character stereotypes and ridiculing characters. The social criticism is targeted at certain groups as well. These are adults, especially authority figures such as headmasters, the rich and those who are unable to take action when needed. Social problems such as violence, corporal punishment and TV addiction are also mostly criticized by the use of allegorical characters. As Dahl states in his autobiography “Boy”, his memories have left deep marks in his personal development and writing career: “Some are painful. Some are unpleasant. I suppose that is why I have always remembered them so vividly.” (Dahl, “Boy” Introduction) Thus, the reason why he discusses social issues in his works is mainly based on his childhood memories and experiences