Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Consider the meaning of the word “greed.” Is this a positive or negative word? Why? In what situation might a person be called “greedy?”

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer question invites students to consider the philosophical context of the novel in line with the theme of Greed and Hubris Will Be Punished. As a word with negative connotations, “greed” usually refers to the uninhibited desire for more. In the novel, Dahl personifies greed through the farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean, who are cheap, gluttonous, and ultimately detestable characters—both internally and externally. Their greed is ultimately their downfall, as their obsession with catching Mr. Fox, along with destruction of the surrounding natural environment, is responsible for their failure.

• This article from Baylor University explores the major life lessons from Dahl’s books, including greediness.
• “The Wonderful, Terrible Power of Food in Roald Dahl” from Slate magazine explores the relationship between greed and gluttony in Dahl’s novels.

Short Activity

In mythology, legends, and folklore across the world, foxes have been depicted as cunning and clever tricksters—but they have embodied both heroic and villainous roles.