Themes

Friendship

The BFG centers on the friendship between Sophie, a young orphan, and the BFG, a gentle giant. Despite their differences, they form a significant bond. Their relationship shows that genuine connections can cross physical and cultural divides. Sophie’s growing trust in the BFG indicates that true friendship is built on shared understanding and mutual goals, such as their plan to protect humans from other giants.

Judging by appearances

The BFG warns against judging by appearances. Although the BFG's size and form initially frighten Sophie, she learns to admire him as she discovers his kindness. This relationship challenges assumptions based on looks, suggesting the importance of understanding a person's true character.

Human vs. giant violence

Dahl contrasts the violence of giants with human conduct, prompting reflections on moral judgments. The BFG critiques human behavior, pointing out the hypocrisy of condemning giants while humans also commit violence. Sophie considers the ethical perspectives of both groups, examining human behavior and morality.

Inspiration behind The BFG

Roald Dahl's The BFG stems from his personal connections and life experiences. The character of the Big Friendly Giant takes inspiration from Dahl's friend Walter "Wal" Saunders, a 6 foot, 5 inch tall builder known for ear-wiggling and humorous malapropisms. These traits influence the BFG's language, Gobblefunk.

The character Sophie nods to Dahl's granddaughter, Sophie Dahl. She recalls Dahl as a dedicated storyteller who entertained at family gatherings. Dahl often pretended to be the BFG, using a trumpet outside Sophie's window to mimic dream-catching. These influences suggest Dahl's ability to incorporate real-world experiences into his narratives.

Quick facts

• The BFG was inspired by a short story from Roald Dahl's earlier book, Danny, the Champion of the World.

• Quentin Blake illustrated The BFG, like many of Dahl's other books.

• The BFG is dedicated to Dahl's daughter, Olivia, who passed away at age seven.

• The protagonist, Sophie, was named after Dahl's granddaughter.

• The BFG character is based on a real person, Walter Saunders, who inspired Dahl's creative language, Gobblefunk.

• Since its publication in 1982, The BFG has sold over 37 million copies worldwide.

• The story features unique elements like snozzcumbers, the fizzy drink frobscottle, and the dream-catching concept.

• The BFG character captures and distributes pleasant dreams to children worldwide.

• The BFG is portrayed differently from typical giants, choosing not to eat humans and highlighting compassion and kindness.

• The BFG has been adapted into an animated film, a stage play, and a live-action movie directed by Steven Spielberg.

• Spielberg's 2016 film adaptation marked his first Disney-branded collaboration. 

• Royal Mail issued commemorative stamps featuring the BFG and Sophie in 2012.

Film adaptations

The BFG has inspired two major film adaptations. The first is a 1989 animated feature with David Jason voicing the main character. The 2016 version, directed by Steven Spielberg, presents the story in live-action with CGI. Mark Rylance, through motion-capture, portrays the BFG. This version emphasizes the giant's gentle nature and features a score by John Williams. It combines digital effects with real-world settings.

Both films stay true to Dahl's original work but target different audiences. The animated film offers a surreal take, while Spielberg's adaptation delivers a visually rich experience. These adaptations demonstrate the lasting impact of Dahl's story and its cross-generational appeal.

About the author

Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was an influential figure in children's literature. A native of Wales, he began his writing career after his experiences as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II. Known for their use of  humor and inventive language, his stories often feature clever children outsmarting adults. His notable works include James and the Giant Peach (1961), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964), The BFG (1982), The Witches (1983), and Matilda (1988). Many of his books have been adapted for stage and screen and continue to delight young readers.