A LITTLE MAGIC - #BLOGCHATTER #WRITEAPAGEADAY

-

 
Pinterest

“Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world”. Matilda

The name ‘Roald Dahl’ brings a smile to the faces of most people, especially children. His stories are fantastical, unconventional and hilarious… three attributes that reel readers in, hook line and sinker. Not for nothing has Dahl been called one of the most popular children’s writers of all times with his creative use of language, the wisdom of his philosophy and the good humour that shines through like the sun that provides the silver lining on a cloudy day.

Dahl was raised by his Norwegian mother who would regale him with stories of witches, trolls and magical creatures from Scandinavian fables. This influence stayed with him when he began writing his books. His most popular books are ‘James and the Giant Peach’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’, ‘BFG” and ‘Matilda’.

                                                                      eBay

Roald Dahl caught the eye with ‘James and the Giant Peach’ in 1961. Every book of his thereafter turned into a bestseller. His books are available in 63 languages and are savoured by readers across the globe.

What is so special about Roald Dahl’s writing? Why does it attract attention and why is he considered the most popular writer after Enid Blyton? Is it his style of writing or the content he fills into every story with so much of imagination? Is it a combination of the two?

Quite simply, according to me, Dahl is a genius mainly because he uses universal themes, well loved themes that engulf the reader with a sense of well-being, much akin to chicken soup.  Some of these themes revolve around kindness and love, stories where good conquers evil, and the world turns into a better place, a lesson that shines out from many of his stories, casting a sheen over them.

One Dahl quote that exemplifies this theme goes this way.

“I think probably kindness is my number one attribute in a human being… to be kind – it covers everything, to my mind. If you’re kind, that’s it.”

Another theme that Dahl struck gold with was self-belief. His characters often start out, timid and lacking confidence. They meet different people in their lives and suddenly a friend walks in when the whole world has walked out, helping them to overcome their fears and aim high. The journey from self-doubt to self-belief is one that is often fraught with obstacles, and Dahl’s characters travel across this distance, inspiring their readers to do so as well.

“I’ve heard that what you imagine sometimes comes true.” Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

One of the most significant contributions of Roald Dahl was the gentle way in which he endorsed the power of reading and books. He lured his readers, especially children, into different worlds, turning them into excited armchair readers. One of his most loved characters, Matilda, found immense comfort when she was surrounded by books.

“So Matilda’s strong young mind continued to grow, nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world like ships on the sea. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.” 

Dahl’s ideas were crystal-clear.

“Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.”

                                                                          Pinterest

Imagination can often run riot, and Roald Dahl has proved this, repeatedly. His tales are studded with magic, and through them, he tells his readers to be childlike and believe in magic. “A little magic can take you a long way.” James and the Giant Peach.

                                                                  QuotesCosmos

The Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary is a delectable gift to children and adults alike, with almost 8000 words crafted out of onomatopoeia and sheer playfulness. These words slip off the tongue with ease, leaving the reader with a feeling of familiarity – gobblefunk, swashboggling, lickswishy, giganticus, fizzwiggler, churgle and of course, the magnificent scrumdiddlyumptious.

There are myriad quotes and words that populate the Dahl universe, making it richer and more exciting. His secret to a good children’s book? Make sure it “enthrals the child”.

“My candle shines at both ends

It will not last the night.

But oh my foes and ahh my friends,

it gives a lovely light!”

Roald Dahl’s motto

 
Pinterest

712 words

 

 

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE STRANGE CASE OF THE MISSING TEETH

-
Image
                                                                            Clipart.com I cannot forget the shocked expression on the young dentist’s face. “Where are all your teeth?” “Uhh… in my mouth, where they should be?” I mumbled, perched on the leather chair as he peered into my mouth. His eyes widened with bewilderment as he leant forward, almost falling into the gaping cavern in front of him. “Three missing here… three on the other side! Two more here and a broken tooth!” I was quite shocked out of my wits. Where had all my teeth disappeared to? I did recall a few sittings earlier where some of my wisdom had been yanked out, but eight and a half teeth? I was a walking miracle! More importantly, an ‘eating’ miracle! When my better half agonised over one painful grinder that made lif...
Read more

Clouds and Waves by Rabindrananth Tagore - Poetry: The Best Words in the Best Order - #BlogchatterA2ZChallenge2021

-
Image
     CLOUDS AND WAVES Rabindranath Tagore Amazon.com Serenity in the Garden Mother, the folk who live up in the clouds call out to me - "We play from the time we wake till the day ends. We play with the golden dawn, we play with the silver moon." I ask, "But how am I to get up to you?" They answer, "Come to the edge of the earth, lift up your hands to the sky, and you will be taken up into the clouds." "My mother is waiting for me at home," I say, "How can I leave her and come?" Then they smile and float away.    But I know a nicer game than that, mother. I shall be the cloud and you the moon.  I shall cover you with both my hands, and our house-top will be the blue sky.  The folk who live in the waves call out to me - "We sing from morning till night; on and on we travel and know not where we pass.            Sunaina Coelho I ask, "But how am I to join you? They tell me, "Come to the edge of the shore and stand wit...
Read more

The Miracle of Love - Fiction - Post Number 8: #MyFriendAlexa

-
Image
Credits: Col. Gopinath Menon The waves crashed on the rocks, a sound that Sudesh loved, as he sat feeling the freshness of the spray on his face. Voices echoed around him, and he could feel the vibration as people jogged along the beach, and his sightless eyes turned towards the movement. He had been coming to this spot for many months now, ever since he had shifted to Mumbai, after his mother had passed away.  The sound of the sea evoked a vision that he could only feel, not see. He could smell the delicious puris that Ram Prasad was frying, very near to where he sat. Every day the cheerful proprietor would look for a moment when there were few customers, and hand over a plate of piping hot puris and delicious potato curry to the gentle blind man who sat there, so young and so uncomplaining!                                                 ...
Read more