Analyzing Word Choices in "The Witches" by Roald Dahl

In "The Witches", Roald Dahl often uses the word "ghastly" to talk about the witches. How does this word make us think about the witches?

• It makes the witches seem funny and not very scary.

• It shows the witches are very scary and not nice to look at.

• It hints that the witches might be kind and nice.

• It makes the witches look more fancy and pretty.

When the Grand High Witch talks about kids, she calls them "brats". What does this word tell us about how she feels about kids?

• Affection and fondness

• Indifference and apathy

• Disgust and hatred

• Curiosity and interest

The story tells us the witches' meetings happen 'undercover'. What does this tell us about their meetings?

• Anyone can go to them and they're open to everyone.

• They are secret and only for witches, not for others to see.

• They are just for fun and not serious.

• They are big events where you have to dress up.

Roald Dahl says the witches look "peculiar." What does he mean by that?

• They look just like everyone else and you can't tell they're witches.

• They are very pretty in a way that makes them stand out.

• They look different from most people in a special way.

• They wear really cool clothes.

The witches made a potion called "Formula 86 Delayed Action Mouse-Maker". What does this potion do?

• It turns people into mice right away.

• It slowly turns people into mice after some time.

• It is a magic drink that makes people better when they are sick.

• It makes mice bigger and stronger.

What does the word "exterminate" tell us about what the witches want to do?

• They want to teach and change children.

• They plan to frighten children as a punishment.

• They want to get rid of all children.

• They wish to make peace with children.

The story often says the witches are "cunning." What does this tell us about them?

• They aren't very smart and can be easily tricked.

• They know a lot about magic but not much else.

• They are very smart and can make tricky plans.

• They are nice and like to help people.

The Grand High Witch talks a lot about 'squish them' and 'squiggle them'. What does this tell us about how she acts?

• It shows she is very kind and caring.

• It shows she is very mean and doesn't care about others.

• It makes her seem like she can't make up her mind.

• It makes her seem funny and like she's playing.

In the book, the witches have "claws" instead of fingernails. What does this tell us about them?

• They act more like animals than people.

• They are kind and caring, like a mother bird.

• They are scary and might hurt others.

• They are good at making things and art.

The place where the witches meet is called "ordinary" and "simple". What does this show us about the witches?

• They like to live in fancy and rich places.

• They are not very strong and can only meet in plain places.

• They want to stay hidden, looking like everyone else.

• They are tired of their magic and want to be normal.