Original PromptStoryteller Roald Dahl on the Events That Shaped His Life and Beloved Characters
"And to you my boy, you're not better off than I am."
By Ellen Vrana
Anyone who has read Matilda, The Witches, or The BFG knows Roald Dahl's (September 13, 1916 - November 23, 1990) novelistic magic sits betwixt a loveable, charming, and undeniably sinister element. A landowner who wants to kill a family of foxes, giants that eat humans, headmistresses, and masters that bully the children they intend to protect.
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This learning resource explores Roald Dahl's memoir 'Going Solo', focusing on how his personal experiences, especially his time in Africa and service in the Royal Air Force during WWII, shaped his literary themes and character development. It includes an analysis of key biographical details that influenced Dahl's writing, as well as prompts for reading comprehension and collaborative discussions. Students will engage in activities to dissect themes such as 'good vs. evil', using evidence from 'Going Solo' and connecting it to the villains in Dahl's fictional works. This module aims to deepen students' understanding of how an author's life can reflect in their literary creations, promoting evidence-based analysis and collaborative learning.