BFG: Why Are the Giants Afraid of Water?

In the whimsical world of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, 'The BFG,' giants play a prominent role. These colossal beings possess extraordinary abilities and a unique relationship with water that has puzzled readers for generations. Why exactly are the giants in this beloved tale so terrified of water? Delving into the depths of Dahl's imagination, we uncover the intriguing reasons behind this peculiar fear.

1. The Unpredictable Nature of Water:

Giants, with their immense size and strength, are accustomed to dominating their environment. However, water, with its fluidity and unpredictable nature, poses a formidable challenge to their control. The giants' fear stems from their inability to predict the behavior of water, a substance that can engulf and overwhelm them in an instant.

2. The Corrosive Effects of Water:

Water, with its inherent corrosive properties, poses a significant threat to the giants' physical form. Unlike humans, giants have a unique skin composition that is highly vulnerable to the erosive effects of water. Contact with water causes their skin to blister and disintegrate, leading to excruciating pain and potential disfigurement.

3. The Drowning Hazard:

The sheer size of the giants makes them particularly susceptible to drowning. Their massive bodies require a tremendous amount of buoyancy to stay afloat, and their limited swimming abilities further compound their vulnerability. The fear of being submerged and overwhelmed by water becomes a paralyzing reality for these colossal beings.

4. The Symbolic Significance of Water:

In many cultures, water is associated with purification, renewal, and transformation. For the giants, water represents an uncontrollable and potentially transformative force that challenges their sense of power and dominance. The fear of water symbolizes their vulnerability to change and the unknown.

5. A Metaphorical Representation of Fear:

Roald Dahl, through his imaginative storytelling, uses the fear of water as a metaphorical representation of the universal human fear of the unknown. Just as the giants tremble at the thought of water, we humans often harbor irrational fears that stem from our inability to fully comprehend or control certain aspects of life. Dahl's portrayal of the giants' fear serves as a reminder that even the most powerful and seemingly invincible beings have their own vulnerabilities and fears.

Conclusion:

The giants' fear of water in 'The BFG' is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon. It encompasses both physical and psychological elements, reflecting the giants' vulnerability to the unpredictable forces of nature and the metaphorical representation of human fears. Ultimately, Dahl's creation of this unique phobia adds depth and richness to the story, inviting readers of all ages to reflect on their own fears and the nature of courage in the face of the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why is water corrosive to giants' skin?

   The unique composition of giants' skin makes it highly susceptible to the erosive effects of water, causing blistering and disintegration.

2. Are all giants afraid of water?

   While most giants in 'The BFG' are terrified of water, there are notable exceptions. The BFG himself is an example of a giant who has overcome his fear and learned to enjoy swimming.

3. What happens if a giant touches water?

   Contact with water causes the giants' skin to blister and disintegrate, leading to excruciating pain and potential disfigurement.

4. Why does Roald Dahl use the fear of water as a metaphor?

   Dahl's use of the fear of water as a metaphor serves to highlight the universal human fear of the unknown and the challenges we face in confronting our own vulnerabilities.

5. What can we learn from the giants' fear of water?

   The giants' fear of water reminds us that even the most powerful and seemingly invincible beings have their own vulnerabilities and fears, and that courage lies in facing those fears head-on.