Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- Analysis Continued

Firstly, it is Charlie’s grandparents who judge the attitudes of the first four children that find the Golden Tickets. The old folks, who read the newspaper together with their grandson to see who will be the winners, are quick to criticize fiercely the children’s bad habits and the spoiling attitude of the parents, who never refuse anything to their young.

Among all these, the reader discovers Charlie’s personality – a polite child who takes care of his grandparents, who loves them an stays with them during the night. This child endures much hunger and cold, and he dreams of entering the factory, but knows that he will only have one chance of doing so.

Once they set foot inside the factory, the children must face their biggest weakness; the Oompa-Loompas are there to punish them for their bad behavior. Only Charlie maintains a correct attitude, heeding the instructions given by Mr. Wonka, never touching or eating anything, even though he is extremely hungry. From the first moment, Willy Wonka shows some preference for this adorable boy and his grandfather. It is due to Charlie’s kindness that Willy Wonka gives him the great prize, something that Charlie never would have dreamed of, the biggest possible reward for him and his family.

Augustus Gloop’s gluttony, Veruca Salt’s poor education, arrogance and temperament, the chewing-gum addiction and rudeness towards their parents and peers that Violet Beauregard and Mike Teavee display, together with the latter’s obsession about television, are four attitudes that Roald Dahl criticizes and the Oompa-Loompas punish. Later, these attitudes are directly condemned in the workers’ songs.

Of all the Oompa-Loompas’ songs, the one I like the most is the song dedicated to Mike Teavee. It is the longest of all, and in it Roald Dahl expresses his argument against television and in favor of reading.

Many things could be said about this book, and there are many that I like. The children enjoy an entertaining story, with wonderfully described characters, that catch their attention from the first moment. Adults, too, can have a good laugh and they can see the story from a double point of view concerning each of the characters and their attitudes. The story could also make them aware of a certain attitude that they should have in front of children.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a wonderful story, full of imagination and a great sense of humor, bound to be read again and again. It is suitable for people of all age, from 9-year-old children, to seniors aged 100. I highly recommend it.