I think Dahl makes it pretty clear that you are supposed to find Augustus, Mike, Violet and Veruca deeply rebarbative and to feel that they deserved everything they got. After all, each one's sticky end is nicely linked to their faults. A little harsh, perhaps, but nevertheless.
I always thought the Ooma-Loompas were slaves
I thought that they willingly pledged their loyalty and labour in return for being saved from a life of terrible misery and destitution, or something. Weren't they being preyed on by some one, or something? Rather colonial, but certainly not slavery.
Admittedly, I haven't read the book for a good twenty years, probably closer to twenty-five, so I can't guarantee that my recollection is accurate. But I certainly recall Wonka being characterised as benevolent if eccentric and unpredictable, and I'm quite sure there was no suggestion of slavery.
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Date: 2005-08-09 03:04 pm (UTC)I think Dahl makes it pretty clear that you are supposed to find Augustus, Mike, Violet and Veruca deeply rebarbative and to feel that they deserved everything they got. After all, each one's sticky end is nicely linked to their faults. A little harsh, perhaps, but nevertheless.
I always thought the Ooma-Loompas were slaves
I thought that they willingly pledged their loyalty and labour in return for being saved from a life of terrible misery and destitution, or something. Weren't they being preyed on by some one, or something? Rather colonial, but certainly not slavery.
Admittedly, I haven't read the book for a good twenty years, probably closer to twenty-five, so I can't guarantee that my recollection is accurate. But I certainly recall Wonka being characterised as benevolent if eccentric and unpredictable, and I'm quite sure there was no suggestion of slavery.