How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Do all children behave like this nowadays – like these brats we've been hearing about?"
"Of course not," said Mr. Bucket, smiling at the old lady in the bed. "Some do, of course. In fact, quite a lot of them do. But not all." (8.18)
We've noticed – and maybe you have, too – that when it comes to children, most of the older people in this book are not fans. Except for Charlie, whom all the adults seem to love dearly.
Quote #5
"That child," said Grandpa Joe, poking his head up from under the blanket one icy morning, "that child has got to have more food. It doesn't matter about us. We're too old to bother with. But a growing boy! He can't go on like this!" (10.10)
Grandpa Joe seems to think that taking care of the young is more important than taking care of the old. What do you think: is it too late for them?
Quote #6
And now, very calmly, with that curious wisdom that seems to come so often to small children in time of hardship, he began to make little changes here and there in some of the things he did, so as to save his strength. (10.15)
Curious indeed. Here, Charlie behaves more like an adult: he's calm, cool, and collected while facing some tough times. But Dahl is quick to point out that he's a small child; and that fact is actually what helps him survive.