Today, one of the most enjoyable parts of reading Fantastic Mr Fox was actually reading aloud.
Roald Dahl’s writing is wonderfully funny. His humour lives in the characters’ conversations, exaggerated descriptions and little gestures. As we read, there are moments when we simply cannot help laughing.
One passage I particularly enjoyed is the scene in which Mr Fox begins organising the food.
First, he reminds everyone that they mustn’t overdo it or give the game away. He sounds so serious and sensible. But then he starts choosing the food: four plump young ducks, three of the biggest geese, and a couple of smoked hams.
Every time he discovers something delicious, another enthusiastic exclamation escapes him. He keeps saying they should take only a few choice morsels, while the list of wonderful food just keeps growing!
The contrast is delightful. Mr Fox is trying very hard to remain calm and respectable, but he simply cannot hide his excitement about the food.
Dahl brings the scene to life through repetition, rhythm, changing expressions and the growing list of delicacies. It is not just what Mr Fox says that makes us laugh, but the way he says it.
Some passages feel quite different when read silently and when read aloud.
Dahl’s books are especially rewarding to read aloud. Only when we give the words a voice and bring out their rhythm and expression can we fully appreciate their humour. We are not simply understanding the words; we are stepping into the characters’ world, almost hearing them speak and seeing their expressions and gestures.
I’d also recommend that children who haven’t read Roald Dahl yet pick up one of his books. You might discover that English novels can be this much fun — so enjoyable that you just want to keep turning the pages.
Some humour can only truly be heard when we read it aloud.
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