Regular readers of this blog will know that I am a massive fan of The BFG. I read a lot as a child and this became a firm favourite from the moment I read the first chapter. I love all of Roald Dahl’s children’s books, I can’t quite bring myself to read the ‘adult’ stories he’s written. In reminiscing on our favourite Dahl character, we’re come up with a list of all the things we learnt from the BFG.
The BFG was published in 1982 and has been adapted to the big screen a couple of times. It follows the story of young orphan Sophie and her unlikely friendship with the Big Friendly Giant. The story tells of their adventures and challenges in stopping the mean giants from hunting human beans to eat. I’ve taken a look back over this wonderful tale to bring you the life-lessons of the BFG and that show why it is such a delightful story.
Not all heroes wear capes
There is a clear theme throughout this story and it is one of bravery and defiance. A young girl living in an orphanage may not be your stereotypical heroine, but she stands up and fights the mean, gruesome giants alongside the BFG. Consistently outsmarting them, she eventually comes up with the cunning plan to defeat them once and for all.
And then there’s the BFG himself; A kind, friendly, optimistic giant who is ashamed of his peers and wants the world to know that he is not one of them. He overcomes his fears and stands up to the bullying giants by fighting back.
Kill ‘em with kindness
The unlikely friendship between Sophie and the BFG is one that has always held a firm place in my heart. Both are considered outsiders and don’t have any friends until they find one another. Sophie shows the BFG a kindness that he’s not been used to in Giant Country, having been teased for being good all his life.
The BFG rebels against the other giant’s love for eating human beans and instead travels to Dream Country to bottle dreams. He then uses his trumpet and blows dreams through the windows of sleeping children. The BFG puts himself in danger travelling to catch the dreams and the consideration and kindness that he shows to children reveals his true character.
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it
When the BFG gives up hope of ever being rid of the gruesome giants and thwarting their evil plot to gobble up human beans, Sophie hatches a plan. She’s an intelligent young girl who not only manages to get into Buckingham Palace, she actually convinces the Queen to help them.
The world can be a dark place at times but good overcomes
This is a general theme that weaves its way through most of Roald Dahl’s books. Whether it’s the terrifying Trunchbull in Matilda, the disgusting, ugly Twits that torment each other daily, or James’s cruel aunts who force him to do hard labour… good always overcome the bad in the end.
The evil giants that torment and bully the BFG and roam the country looking for human beans to guzzle are defeated and imprisoned. Sophie and the BFG are then free to live a happy life – the BFG in a posh castle and Sophie next door in a comfortable cottage.
With so many wonderful life lessons and morals to this story, it’s not surprising that it’s been adapted numerous times. The story is full of warmth, courage and heart. Two outsiders come together to become friends and overcome evil – I mean, what’s not to love about that? Buy your own copy of The BFG here, or check out our entire selection of weird and wonderful Roald Dahl books.
What have you learnt from the BFG? Who’s your favourite Roald Dahl character? Let us know in the comments below.
No Comments