CURRICULUM & LEARNING ENVIRONMENT * 2 HOURS * LEVEL 2Fantastic Mr. DahlAdult Criticism |
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Although widely popular, Dahl’s novels have received their share of criticism over the years. Some argue that his works are vulgar as they contain “bathroom humor”. Evidence of this can be seen in The B.F.G. when the giant insists on “whizpopping” (his term for passing gas) in front of the Queen. While this type of language does not appeal to adult readers, it very much does to children. That is the key.
As educators, we have to remember that we are not the ones reading the stories, our students are.
Therefore, it is their choice what they decide to read, within reason of course. According to Dahl, “Children are ... highly critical. And they lose interest so quickly. You have to keep things ticking along. And if you think a child is getting bored, you must think up something that jolts it back. Something that tickles. You have to know what children like.” Dahl knew that children’s interest in all things gross would be a hit among his readers, holding their attention and keeping them coming back for more.
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