The Wish – Roald Dahl

Author: Roald Dahl
Genre: Short Story
Class: 11
Book: English

Introduction

Roald Dahl was a British writer known for his imaginative and sometimes dark stories for both children and adults. "The Wish" is a short story that explores the world of childhood imagination and fear. It’s a simple tale that shows how a child’s mind can turn ordinary things into grand adventures and challenges.

Short Summary

A young boy invents a game as he tries to cross a patterned carpet, imagining that some colors are safe and others are dangerous. His journey becomes a test of courage, with his imagination making every step feel important and risky.

Detailed Summary

"The Wish" begins with a young boy discovering a scab on his knee, which sparks his imagination. He decides to play a game where the colored patches on the carpet in his house become a dangerous landscape. The red patches are burning fire, the black ones are deadly snakes or stone, and only the yellow patches are safe. The boy’s simple walk across the room turns into a thrilling adventure, filled with suspense and excitement. Each step is carefully planned, and the stakes feel incredibly high in his mind.

As the boy moves forward, his imagination grows stronger. He becomes more anxious, feeling the pressure of the game he has created. The carpet, an ordinary household object, is transformed into a world of peril and challenge. The boy’s heart races as he tries to avoid the dangerous colors, and his determination is tested with every move. The story captures the intensity of childhood fears and the way imagination can make even the safest places seem full of danger.

Near the end, the boy is close to victory but hesitates, overwhelmed by fear and excitement. He loses his balance and steps onto a black patch, just as his mother calls him. The story ends without revealing what happens next, leaving readers to wonder about the outcome. Through simple language and vivid imagery, Roald Dahl shows how powerful and real a child’s imagination can be, turning everyday moments into unforgettable adventures.

Narrative Structure Breakdown

Exposition: The boy discovers a scab and starts his game on the carpet.
Rising Action: He imagines the carpet as a dangerous world, each color a new threat.
Climax: The boy is about to win but is frozen by fear.
Falling Action: He loses his balance and steps onto a black patch.
Resolution: The story ends with his mother calling, leaving the ending open.

Themes & Meanings

Imagination vs. Reality: The story shows how a child’s mind can blur the line between what is real and what is imagined.
Fear and Courage: The boy’s journey is a test of bravery against his own fears.
Ambiguity: The open ending invites readers to think about what might happen next.
Childhood Adventure: Ordinary moments can become exciting challenges through imagination.

Character Sketches

The Boy: Curious, imaginative, and brave, he turns a simple walk into a daring quest.
The Mother: A background figure, representing safety and the return to reality.

Important Vocabulary

Scab: A crust that forms over a healing wound.
Imagination: The ability to create ideas and stories in the mind.
Ambiguity: Uncertainty or having more than one possible meaning.
Suspense: A feeling of excitement or anxiety about what will happen next.
Peril: Serious and immediate danger.

Exam-Style Q&A

Q: What game does the boy invent in the story?
A: He imagines the carpet is full of dangers, with only certain colors safe to step on.
Q: How does the story end?
A: The boy steps onto a black patch and his mother calls him, leaving the ending open.
Q: What is the main theme of the story?
A: The power of imagination and how it shapes our experiences.
Q: Why does the boy feel afraid?
A: His imagination makes the game feel real and dangerous.
Q: What lesson can readers learn from the story?
A: Imagination can turn ordinary moments into exciting adventures.

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