Roald Dahl and Philosophy

doi:10.5771/9781442222533

Roald Dahl and Philosophy

A Little Nonsense Now and Then

Published 2014

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doi.org/10.5771/9781442222533
ISBN print: 978-1-4422-2252-6
ISBN online: 978-1-4422-2253-3
Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham

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Abstract

For generations the elements of humor, poignancy, fantasy, and unfettered morality found within acclaimed children’s author Roald Dahl’s most famous tales have captivated both children and adults. Classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, and The BFG may initially appear to be yarns spun for the amusement of the adolescent mind, however, upon digging deeper one uncovers a treasure trove of philosophical richness that is anything but childish, but in fact reveals the true existential weight, and multi-layered meaning of some of our favorite children’s stories. Editor Jacob M. Held has collected the insights of today’s leading philosophers into the significances, messages, and greater truths at which Dahl’s rhythmic writing winks, revealing a whole new way to appreciate the creation of a man and mind to which readers of all ages are still drawn.

Schlagworte

matilda philosophy and children's literature philosophy and literature philosophy of literature pop culture popular culture charlie and the chocolate factory james and the giant peach

Chapter Expand | CollapsePage
Preface
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
1–6 Introduction 1–6
7–18 1 Epicurus and the Chocolate Factory 7–18
19–32 2 On Getting Our Just Desserts 19–32
33–46 3 Matilda, Existentialist Superhero 33–46
47–58 4 The Existential Journey of James Henry Trotter 47–58
59–72 5 Of Mice and (Posthu)Man 59–72
73–80 6 “Who Is This Crazy Man?” 73–80
81–92 7 “He Will Be Altered Quite a Bit” 81–92
93–106 8 Matilda and the Philosophy of Education 93–106
107–120 9 Shattering the Glass Elevator 107–120
121–136 10 The Fantastically Just Mr. Fox 121–136
137–148 11 Willy Wonka and the Imperial Chocolate Factory 137–148
149–160 12 George’s Marvelous Medicine, or, What Should We Do about Global Hunger? 149–160
161–172 13 Crodswoggle, Flushbunking, and All Things Friendship in The BFG 161–172
173–190 14 Charlie and the Nightmare Factory 173–190
191–204 15 Brimful of Buzzburgers 191–204
205–216 16 Dewey’s Marvelous Medicine 205–216
217–238 Notes 217–238
239–244 Index 239–244
245–249 Twits, Witches, and Dirty Beasts: Author Biographies 245–249

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