The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)

This was the second book that we decided to read using the Facebook polling system.  “The BFG” by Roald Dahl felt like a breath of fresh air after the last book we had read.  The remaining members of the group (our numbers had dwindled by this point due to upcoming assignments and a general lack of interest following “Among the Hidden”) particularly enjoyed this playful tale.  We all felt very positive about our experience with the book, and were able to discuss many aspects of it.  We especially felt strongly about how the other giants in the story were treated at the end of the story, and questioned the ending greatly.  Despite our distaste for the ending, we knew that our future students would be delighted to have this story read to them because of the colourful and descriptive language that Dahl employed.

These are the discussion questions we provided for the story:

Part 1

• For those who have not read it, what are you thoughts so far? For those who have, what’s it like reading now compared to the last time you have read it?
• How do you feel about the different flavoured countries?
• What lessons does the BFG teach kids about violence?
• How do you feel the book BFG can relate to real world issues?
• If studying this book in class, what could you do that incorporate the language/dialogue used?
• Why do you think the BFG is so different than the other giants? Was he always like this?
• What do you think about Sophie’s character? Is she rude or insensitive towards BFG?
• How do you think the BFG discovered the dream land and how to give children's dreams?

Part 2

• What do you think of the notion that the BFG makes about the 50 year old really being 30 years old because of 20 years of sleep?
• Do you think the BFG abused his power when he gave the Fleshlumpeater a nightmare?
• What kind of dream would you like the BFG to mix for you?
• What did you think when the Sultan of Baghdad said “We are chopping off people’s heads like you are chopping parsley”?
• Do you think the Giants got the punishment they deserved?
• What did you think of the story? What sort of activities would you incorporate into a reading of this story?
• Were you happy with the ending?