Roald Dahl and Philosophy

May 12, 2014
This collection of essays on the philosophical influences of author Roald Dahl's enduring children's books carries the benefits and drawbacks of such a multi-author effort. In his introduction, editor Held (Dr. Seuss and Philosophy: Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!) sufficiently lays out the central theme of these assorted and sometimes contrasting essaysâthat Dahl's characters rebel against the chaos of a world that does not provide for their needs. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the focus of the majority of selections. The philosophical arguments focusing on the character of Charlie Bucket and his family are more obvious and lackluster compared to the sections that examine the secondary characters, such as Augustus Gloop and Mike Teavee, through more specialized lenses. Elizabeth Butterfield's essay "Matilda, Existentialist Superhero" aptly connects Matilda to the philosophies of Kierkegaard and Nietzsche. Likewise, editor Held's offers plenty of food for thought in his article, which convincingly applies John Locke's views on personal property to Fantastic Mr. Fox. Though many of Dahl's stories are addressed repeatedly, the general impression is far from redundant, but one of an invigorating roundtable discussion.