Vocabulary & Terms
What is an anecdote?
A short, amusing story about a real person or event.
Who is Mrs. Pratchett?
A grumpy, unhygienic sweet-shop owner.
"This is not to be tolerated!" – Who says this and why?
Corkers, during the fart prank routine in class.
What is Repton?
A strict boarding school Dahl attended.
Name one theme in Boy.
Cruelty of adults.
What does epistolary storytelling mean?
Storytelling using letters or written documents.
What is The Matron known for?
Being cruel and disliking young boys.
Why is the line about writing being foolish but free self-deprecating?
Dahl mocks writers while showing pride in their independence.
What was the Great Mouse Plot?
A prank involving a dead mouse placed in a candy jar.
What kind of humor does Corkers use?
Eccentric, physical comedy.
What is dark humor?
Humor that makes light of serious or taboo topics.
Describe the headmaster at St. Peter’s using a vocabulary term.
He is a caricature: threatening, with gold teeth and greased hair.
What sarcastic language does Dahl use in the 1925 driving scene?
Phrases like "off you jolly well went" mock the lack of safety or rules.
Where did Dahl go for summer holidays?
To Norway with his family.
How does Dahl show camaraderie during the pipe prank?
He includes his whole family in the mischief.
Define retrospective narration.
When a narrator looks back on past events.
What does Dahl’s mother do after hearing about his beating?
She storms out to confront the school.
Why is "ratitis" an example of humor?
It's absurd and mocks how adults make up ridiculous warnings.
What painful experience does Dahl remember from a doctor visit?
Having his adenoids removed without anesthesia.
How does Dahl use exaggeration for humor in describing adults?
Through grotesque features and absurd behavior.
What is a caricature?
A description or image with exaggerated features for comic effect.
Which adult from George’s Marvellous Medicine resembles characters in Boy?
The grandmother resembles cruel adults like the Matron.
Why is the “bike dream” moment nostalgic?
It shows Dahl’s innocent childhood dreams and longing.
Put in order: Dahl leaves for school, summer in Norway, mouse prank, father remarries, mother storms out.
Mouse prank, father remarries, summer in Norway, leaves for school, mother storms out.
How does nostalgia shape the mood of the book?
It creates warmth and longing for a bittersweet childhood.