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English Language ArtsLevel 7 #13
Today’s Objectives
Introduction to themeThe Landlady by Roald DahlIdiom of the Day
The theme is the author’s intended meaning or the main idea the author is attempting to convey. The theme may be the author’s thoughts about a topic or view of human nature. The author uses various figures of speech to emphasize the theme.
What exactly is this elusive thing called theme?The theme of a fable is its moral. The theme of a parable is its teaching. The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave.
In fiction, the theme is not intended to teach or preach. In fact, it is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.
The writer's task is to communicate on a common ground with the reader. Although your experience may be different from the details of the story, the general underlying truths behind the story may be the connection that both you and the writer are seeking.
How to Find the Theme
Here are some ways to find the theme in a story: Check out the title. Sometimes it tells you a lot about the theme.Notice repeating patterns and symbols. Sometimes these lead you to the theme.
How to Find the Theme
What allusions are made throughout the story?What are the details and particulars in the story? What greater meaning may they have?
How to Find the ThemeRemember that theme, plot, and structure are inseparable, all helping to inform and reflect back on each other. Also, be aware that the theme we determine from a story never completely explains the story. It is simply one of the elements that make up the whole.
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Roald Dahl Biography
Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Wales. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force and served as a fighter pilot in WWII. Dahl's first book, The Gremlins, was written for Walt Disney.
Roald Dahl Biography
His children's book, James and the Giant Peach was a popular success, as was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Dahl was married to actress Patricia Neal. He died in 1990.
The Landlady
Stop the lesson and read the story. Answer the questions that come with this lesson.
’The old girl is a bit dotty,’ Billy told himself”She “appeared to be slightly off her rocker.”
Billy recognizes that the landlady is a bit odd but excuses her behavior because she was “harmless.” He did not listen to his instincts.
“. . . the little dachshund was still sleeping soundly in front of (the fire).”
The fact that the dog continues to “sleep soundly” hints at the fact that something is not normal. The dog ends up being stuffed.
“The tea tasted faintly of bitter almonds, and he didn’t much care for it.”
The tea has been poisoned (cyanide), and Billy Weaver will be the Landlady’s next victim.
“. . . and we don’t want to go breaking any laws at this stage in the proceedings, do we?”
The stress on “this stage” suggests that she will probably want to break a law later in the story.
Billy Weaver is a 17-year old boy who had just arrived to Bath for a new job. He wore a new-blue overcoat, a new brown hat and a new brown suit. He is tall, handsome and young. He has beautiful white teeth. He seems to be a nice, harmless, optimistic person.
The landlady is about forty-five or fifty years old. She had a round pink face, very gentle blue eyes, pale lips, small, white and quickly moving hands and red finger-nails.
The landlady was friendly and had welcoming manners. She seemed to be kind, nice, generous and harmless, but a little crazy. She was a taxidermist.
From what point of view is the story being told?We know that the story is told in the third person limited omniscient point of view because the author only gives us Billy’s thoughts.
What is the setting? The story takes place in a boarding house in Bath England. The living room was described as “wonderfully warm and cozy.” There was a fireplace and a piano.
What problem does the main character have?The main character, Billy Weaver, has a problem, but he doesn’t know it, yet. The author gives the reader warning clues, throughout,
but in his innocence, Billy does not pick up on the sinister clues except to note that the Landlady was a bit “dotty.”
We know the setting and the main character. What is the situation?A young man, Billy Weaver, is looking for a place to stay when he comes upon a boarding house.
What leads up to the climax? Billy Weaver meets the landlady of the boarding house and decides she is pleasant enough. He decides to stay.
Throughout the story, the writer gives the reader hints as to the strangeness of the situation Billy is in. Billy nearly figures out that he is in a strange situation, but he dismisses these thoughts and believes himself to be safe.
Rising Action
The landlady readily tells Billy information that should cause him alarm, such as that there are two people staying at the house whose names Billy finds vaguely familiar.
Billy also notices that the dog and parrot he thought were real are actually stuffed animals. Billy sips tea that tastes like bitter almonds (cyanide) and his fate is sealed.
What is the high point of the story? (the part that has the greatest interest)
Billy asks whether the landlady has had any guests in the last two years. She says, “Only you.” The story ends.
We can only guess as to what happened to Billy after he was poisoned. But we are left with a sense of horror at what might happen.
Every good story lingers with you after it has ended. What do you think will happen to the main character?
“Nothing is ever as it seems,”One must be cautious and not too trusting. This innocent attribute in Billy despite all the subtle hints, leads to his ensnarement, and ultimately, his impending death.
How does the film differ from the original text of the story? Of the two which do you think is more effective and why?
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Part 3 - The Idiom
Idioms are spoken phrases that cannot be found in the dictionary. An idiom is an expression that means something other than the literal meanings of its individual words.
Broke
“Broke” means bankrupt. Rupt is the Latin root for broken. “Broke” also means that a person has no money.I can’t buy those potato chips because I’m “broke.” (I don’t have any money.)
Lesson Review
Today we focused on theme. We read and listened to The Landlady by Roald Dahl. We also discussed the plot sequence. Finally, we learned a new idiom of the day.
Next Lesson
We will introduce aspects of the novel in our next lesson. We will read Call of the Wild by Jack London. Goodbye until next time.
