The Witches

Consider the relationship between Good Versus Evil in the novel. Who represents the “good” in the story? Who represents “evil”? How does Dahl use characterization, plot, and setting to separate these two types of characters? Explain.

Teaching Suggestion: The successful elimination of the witches of England, as well as the narrator’s plan to destroy all the witches in the world, point to the larger theme that good will triumph over evil. Students might meet briefly in pairs to list traits demonstrated by each central character (the narrator, Grandmamma, Bruno, the Grand High Witch, the other witches), then point out how those traits help to mark a clear delineation between each side’s intentions.

Differentiation Suggestion: For a more advanced approach that focuses on additional literary analysis and critical thinking, students might list 3-5 other works with which they are familiar that showcase how good triumphs over evil, then choose one to use in drawing comparisons with The Witches. Comparative points might be based on story elements, plot structure, or storytelling techniques; students might work in small groups to present their comparative analysis using a visual aid such as a poster or brief slideshow.