Escritas

Poems List

And Charlie, don't forget about what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he ever wanted.
3
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
2
It's a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.
4

Television

Television
The most important thing we've learned,
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, NEVER, NEVER let
Them near your television set --
Or better still, just don't install
The idiotic thing at all.
In almost every house we've been,
We've watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about,
And stare until their eyes pop out.
(Last week in someone's place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they're hypnotised by it,
Until they're absolutely drunk
With all that shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,
They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink --
But did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK -- HE ONLY SEES!
'All right!' you'll cry. 'All right!' you'll say,
'But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling children? Please explain!'
We'll answer this by asking you,
'What used the darling ones to do?
'How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?'
Have you forgotten? Don't you know?
We'll say it very loud and slow:
THEY ... USED ... TO ... READ! They'd READ and READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
To READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half their lives was reading books!
The nursery shelves held books galore!
Books cluttered up the nursery floor!
And in the bedroom, by the bed,
More books were waiting to be read!
Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales


Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching 'round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be?
Good gracious, it's Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and-
Just How The Camel Got His Hump,
And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,
There's Mr. Rate and Mr. Mole-
Oh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks-
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They'll now begin to feel the need
Of having something to read.
And once they start -- oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen
They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.
282

Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales

Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching 'round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be?
Good gracious, it's Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and-
Just How The Camel Got His Hump,
And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,
There's Mr. Rat and Mr. Mole-
Oh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks-
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They'll now begin to feel the need
Of having something to read.
And once they start -- oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen
They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.
288

Hot and Cold

Hot and Cold
A woman who my mother knows
Came in and took off all her clothes.
Said I, not being very old,
'By golly gosh, you must be cold!'
'No, no!' she cried. 'Indeed I'm not!
I'm feeling devilishly hot!'
234

Comments (0)

ShareOn Facebook WhatsApp X
Log in to post a comment.

NoComments

Identification and basic context

Roald Dahl is primarily known for his children's literature, although he also wrote for adults and penned screenplays. He was born in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales. His parents were Norwegian immigrants. Dahl's nationality was British.

Childhood and education

Dahl's childhood was marked by significant events, including the death of his father and older sister at a young age. He attended various boarding schools in England, where his experiences were often challenging and sometimes traumatic, which later informed some of his writing. He had a passion for reading from a young age and was influenced by the stories he encountered.

Literary trajectory

Dahl's writing career began after World War II. His first published work was "The Gremlins," a children's book. He later gained immense popularity with novels like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda," "The BFG," and "James and the Giant Peach." He also wrote successful adult novels, including "My Uncle Oswald," and short story collections such as "Someone Like You" and "Kiss, Kiss." His screenwriting credits include adaptations of Ian Fleming's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "You Only Live Twice."

Works, style, and literary characteristics

Dahl's children's books are characterized by their inventive plots, memorable characters (often eccentric or grotesque), and a blend of humor and mild menace. Themes often revolve around the triumph of the underdog, the power of imagination, and the subversion of adult authority. His style is direct, engaging, and often uses inventive language and neologisms. His adult works explore darker themes, often with a macabre or suspenseful tone.

Cultural and historical context

Dahl's life spanned significant historical periods, including World War II, during which he served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force. His experiences during the war, though often harrowing, contributed to his storytelling. His works emerged during a period of shifting social norms and evolving perspectives on childhood and education.

Personal life

Dahl had a vibrant and complex personal life. He was married twice, first to actress Patricia Neal, with whom he had several children. His relationship with Neal was marked by both great love and significant hardship, particularly following her severe strokes. He was also known for his strong opinions and his dedication to his craft.

Recognition and reception

Roald Dahl is one of the most widely read and beloved storytellers in the world. His books have sold hundreds of millions of copies and have been translated into numerous languages. While his children's books are universally acclaimed, some of his darker adult themes and portrayals have occasionally sparked debate.

Influences and legacy

Dahl's work has been a profound influence on children's literature and popular culture. His unique narrative voice and imaginative world-building continue to inspire writers and artists. His stories have been adapted into numerous successful films, stage plays, and musicals, ensuring his legacy continues to thrive.

Interpretation and critical analysis

Dahl's works are often analyzed for their psychological depth, their exploration of morality, and their commentary on societal structures. Critics have explored the underlying themes of good versus evil, the importance of empathy, and the subversion of traditional authority figures within his narratives.

Curiosities and lesser-known aspects

Despite his fame, Dahl was known to be quite private. He had a unique writing routine, often working in a specially designed hut in his garden. He was also a keen inventor, developing medical devices.

Death and memory

Roald Dahl passed away in 1990. His legacy is preserved through his extensive body of work, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, and the charitable work of the Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity.