Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• Genre: Fiction; fantasy; children’s literature
• Originally Published: 1964
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 810L; grades 3-7
• Structure/Length: 30 chapters; approx. 155 pages; approx. 3 hours, 18 minutes on audiobook
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The story centers around Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a Golden Ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious and magical chocolate factory, along with four other children. The central conflict revolves around the children’s experiences within the factory as they face consequences for their behavior, while Charlie’s kindness and humility lead to an unexpected reward.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Depictions of children in perilous or uncomfortable situations as a result of their flaws; themes of poverty and economic disparity; exaggerated portrayals of greed and gluttony

Roald Dahl, Author

• Bio: Born in 1916 in Wales to Norwegian parents; died in 1990; celebrated as one of the most beloved children’s authors of the 20th century; known for his imaginative narratives, memorable characters, and mix of humor and dark elements.
• Other Works: James and the Giant Peach (1961); The BFG (1982); The Witches (1983); Matilda (1988)
• Awards: New England Round Table of Children’s Librarians Award (1972); Millennium Children’s Book Award (2000); Blue Peter Book Award (2000)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Greed and Gluttony Will Be Punished
• Kindness and Patience Will Be Rewarded
• Magic and Wonder

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the cultural and historical contexts regarding candy in which Charlie and the Chocolate Factory operates.
• Read and analyze paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Greed and Gluttony Will Be Punished, Kindness and Patience Will Be Rewarded, and Magic and Wonder.
• Design and market a new candy that illustrates its magic and wonder.
• Analyze plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding rudeness, morality lessons, and the novel’s settings.