Skip to main content

Television by Roald Dahl: Key Themes

Television by Roald Dahl: Key Themes
For the rest of the chapters from the syllabus, click here👇 Key Themes

Negative impact of television
The central theme of the poem is the negative impact of television on children.
Television, commonly referred to as the idiot box, provides viewers with ready visuals, leaving nothing to the imagination. Because watching television is such a passive activity, Dahl knows that it would eventually spell the death of imagination in children's minds. They would end up thinking that what they cannot see is not real.
The theme comes out most strongly in these lines from the poem where Dahl has used all capital letters to spell out the dangers of watching television.

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 A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!

HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND

HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE! HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE! HE CANNOT THINK-HE ONLY SEES!

Similarly, Dahl has used several negative expressions throughout the poem to refer
to television. For instance, he calls it 'ghastly junk' and describes it as 'ridiculous', 'nauseating", "foul', 'unclean' and 'repulsive".

The importance of reading
Another equally important theme in the poem is the importance of reading, Dahl speaks strongly in favour of reading. Reading, he believes, would help children's mental growth. It would enrich their imagination, hone their creativity and allow them to look at things with a different perspective.
He fondly recalls a time when there was no television and children would be surrounded by books.
Dahl believes parents should inculcate the habit of reading in their children. Hence, he pleads to them to get rid of the television set in their houses and use the space for bookshelves. He is certain that once children begin reading, they would be thankful to their parents forever.
Television by Roald Dahl :-
4. Literary Devices and Literary Style (Figures of Speech): http://novakidhs.blogspot.com/2022/03/television-by-roald-dahl-figures-of.html
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

This site is all about helping you kids study smart because for Gen Z, studying "hard" is not enough. If you feel there is any way I could improve my posts or if you have any random suggestion that might help make this more kid friendly, please don't hesitate to drop in a comment!

Be sure to check back for my response if you've asked me a question or requested a clarification through the comment section because I do make every effort to reply to your comments here.

Popular posts from this blog

Tenses: Correct Form of the Verb Exercises: ICSE English Language

Tenses: Correct Form of the Verb Exercises: ICSE English Language ** [For other Important Links related to English Language, click here 👇 https://english-language-important-links ( It is advisable to first try and solve the answers on your own, write it down in your copies and once you're done with all the questions, check from the solutions and rectify your mistakes. This practice enables you to learn from your mistakes and helps your brain retain a vivid memory and enhances your ability of language acquisition)  In the following passage, fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space. (answers below). Exercise I (0) disappeared The sun (0)_______ (disappear) behind the clouds and the sky turned grey. The wind (1)____(pick) up and a few drops of rain fell on the old tin roof. Jose (2)_____(run) inside and (3)_____(cl...
1 comment
Read more

Do as Directed: ICSE English Language

ICSE English Language: Do as Directed: Exercises with Answers for Practice  ** [If you're unable to solve some of these questions or feel the need to revise the basics and rules, click here for an easy-to-follow guideline👇 https://transformation-of-sentences-complete-guide ( It is advisable to first try and solve the answers on your own, write it down in your copies and once you're done with all the questions, check from the solutions and rectify your mistakes. This practice enables you to learn from your mistakes and helps your brain retain a vivid memory and enhances your ability of language acquisition)  1. It is probable that he will never come back. (Begin: In …) 2. He said to me, ‘Where are you going?’ (Begin: He asked me …) 3. As soon as the chief guest had arrived, the play began. (Begin: No sooner ….) 4. I was surprised at his behaviour. (Begin: His …) 5. He will certainly succeed. (Begin: He is …) 6. He is the best student in the class. (Use better inste...
Post a Comment
Read more

ICSE Mathematics Specimen Paper 2023 with Solutions(/ Answer Key)

ICSE Mathematics Specimen Paper 2023 with Solutions(/ Answer Key) Part A: Question Paper Part B: Answer Key Part A: Question Paper:- For detailed video explanation of these sums and sums from other chapters in your syllabus, click here 👉  Chapter wise Video Explanations of most important sums from each chapter Part B: Answer Key:-  (Scroll Below the next section on other important links for rest of the pages) [ **If you found this useful, do check the 2023 specimen papers of other subjects along with their Solutions by clicking here:  https://novakidhs.blogspot.com/p/icse-specimen-papers-2023-with.html ** For Questions and Answers, Solved Test Papers , Previous Years paper scanner and much more curated study materials on all the subjects of the ICSE syllabus, click here 👇 https://novakidhs.blogspot.com/p/...
Post a Comment
Read more