The Witches by Roald Dahl is a dark fantasy novel for children, blending elements of horror and humor to create an unforgettable reading experience. Published in 1983, the book tells the story of a young boy who discovers the terrifying existence of witches—real witches who despise children and are determined to exterminate them. With its blend of suspense, vivid characterization, and imaginative storytelling, The Witches stands as a unique contribution to children’s literature. Themes of courage, ingenuity, and the battle between good and evil are central to this gripping tale, which continues to captivate readers of all ages.

The story begins with an introduction to the world of witches, as explained by the boy’s Norwegian grandmother, a former witch hunter. She reveals that witches are not the stuff of fairy tales but real and dangerous beings who hide among humans. Unlike the stereotypical portrayal of witches with broomsticks and cauldrons, Dahl’s witches are ordinary-looking women who disguise themselves to blend in with society. They have distinguishing features, such as claws instead of fingernails, bald heads hidden under wigs, and feet without toes. Their most terrifying characteristic is their deep hatred for children.

Example: The grandmother tells the boy that witches can smell children, describing how they detect the scent of “clean” children, who smell of “fresh dogs’ droppings” to them. This unique twist on the olfactory senses of witches serves as both a chilling and humorous element in the story.

Quote: “Witches of England… You are a disgrace! Miserable witches! You are good-for-nothing worms! Everywhere I look, I see the repulsive sight of hundreds, thousands of revolting little children!”

This quote from the Grand High Witch captures the malevolent nature of the witches, emphasizing their loathing of children and their determination to rid the world of them.

The protagonist, a seven-year-old boy, is left in the care of his grandmother after his parents die in a car accident. His grandmother, who is wise, kind, and knowledgeable about witches, becomes his closest companion. Together, they move to England, where the boy encounters the frightening reality of witches firsthand.

The grandmother educates the boy about the dangers of witches, warning him to always be on guard. Her stories are filled with cautionary tales, including the disappearance of children in her hometown, believed to be the work of witches. The bond between the boy and his grandmother is central to the narrative, providing emotional depth and a sense of security in an otherwise dangerous world.

Example: The boy’s first encounter with a witch occurs while he is building a treehouse. A strange woman approaches him, offering him a snake and trying to lure him down from the tree. He recognizes her as a witch, thanks to the warnings from his grandmother, and manages to escape.

Quote: “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like so long as somebody loves you.”

This quote from the grandmother highlights one of the book’s underlying themes: the importance of love and acceptance in the face of adversity.

The story takes a darker turn when the boy and his grandmother inadvertently stay at the same hotel where the annual meeting of England’s witches is being held. The Grand High Witch, the leader of all witches, reveals her sinister plan to turn all the children in England into mice by using a potion called “Formula 86 Delayed-Action Mouse-Maker.” This potion, when ingested, turns children into mice after a delay, ensuring that they can be easily disposed of without arousing suspicion.

The boy, hidden in the ballroom where the witches are meeting, overhears the entire plan. Despite the danger, he bravely decides to stop the witches, knowing that failure would mean the extermination of countless children.

Example: The boy watches in horror as Bruno Jenkins, a gluttonous child lured by the promise of free chocolate, is transformed into a mouse before his eyes. This incident demonstrates the power of the Grand High Witch’s potion and the ruthlessness of the witches.

Quote: “This is not a fairy tale. This is about REAL WITCHES. REAL WITCHES dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary women. They live in ordinary houses and they work in ordinary jobs.”

This quote reinforces the terrifying idea that witches could be hiding in plain sight, making them all the more dangerous.

In a twist of fate, the boy himself is caught and transformed into a mouse by the witches. However, instead of being defeated, he uses his new form to his advantage. With the help of his grandmother, he devises a plan to steal a bottle of Formula 86 and use it against the witches. The boy’s transformation into a mouse does not diminish his courage or intelligence; instead, it highlights his resourcefulness and determination.

The boy and his grandmother launch a daring mission to spike the witches’ food with the potion, turning them all into mice. The plan is a success, and the hotel staff, unaware of the true nature of the mice, exterminates them, effectively ridding England of its witch population.

Example: The climax of the story occurs in the hotel kitchen, where the boy, now a mouse, sneaks into the Grand High Witch’s room, retrieves the potion, and drops it into the witches’ soup. The scene is tense and filled with suspense, as the boy narrowly avoids detection multiple times.

Quote: “We will wipe them out, every single child in England! This is my promise.”

This quote from the Grand High Witch underscores the stakes of the boy’s mission and the malevolence of the witches.

The Witches explores several themes, including the battle between good and evil, the importance of courage, and the power of love and family. The boy’s transformation into a mouse can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming adversity and finding strength in unlikely places. Despite his small size and the loss of his human form, the boy remains determined to protect other children and defeat the witches.

The relationship between the boy and his grandmother is central to the story, emphasizing the importance of love, trust, and familial bonds. The grandmother’s knowledge and the boy’s bravery combine to overcome the witches, demonstrating that even the most terrifying adversaries can be defeated with intelligence and determination.

The book concludes with the boy and his grandmother returning home, where they plan to continue their fight against witches worldwide. The story ends on a hopeful note, with the boy accepting his new form and looking forward to his future adventures with his grandmother.

Impact and Reception

The Witches was met with both acclaim and controversy upon its release. While praised for its imaginative storytelling and vivid characters, the book also faced criticism for its portrayal of women, with some arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes. Despite this, The Witches remains a beloved classic in children’s literature, known for its dark humor, suspenseful plot, and the timeless message that courage and love can overcome even the most formidable challenges.

In the context of contemporary issues, The Witches can be seen as a reflection on the dangers of hidden threats in society and the importance of vigilance and bravery. The book’s lasting appeal lies in its ability to both entertain and provoke thought, making it a staple in the literary world and a valuable read for generations to come.

The Witches by Roald Dahl is a masterful blend of horror and humor, offering readers a thrilling adventure filled with memorable characters and important life lessons. Its themes of courage, love, and the battle between good and evil resonate deeply, making it a powerful and enduring work in children’s literature. Through the boy’s journey, Dahl reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, bravery and resourcefulness can lead to victory. As the story of The Witches continues to captivate readers, its messages remain as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.