Book Review: The Twits by Roald Dahl – A Hilarious Tale of Mischief and Revenge

 

Title: The Twits

Author: Roald Dahl

Genre: Humour

Grade Recommendation: Grade 3 & 4

 

The Twits is a classic children’s book by the renowned British author, Roald Dahl. Originally published in 1980, this humorous and entertaining tale is still loved by children and adults alike today. In this book review, we will explore what makes The Twits such a delightful read and why it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh.

Plot Summary

The Twits tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a vile and unpleasant couple who take pleasure in tormenting each other and innocent animals. Mr. Twit has a long, straggly beard that he never washes, while Mrs. Twit has a glass eye that she uses to scare birds away from their garden. They both enjoy playing mean-spirited tricks on each other and anyone else they can think of.

However, their cruel behavior soon catches up with them when the monkeys they keep as pets decide to exact revenge. With the help of some clever planning and a bit of magic, the monkeys manage to turn the tables on the Twits, and the couple gets exactly what they deserve.

Writing Style

Roald Dahl’s writing style is one of the things that makes this book so enjoyable. He has a way of painting vivid and hilarious pictures with his words, making it easy for readers to visualize the absurd and outrageous antics of the Twits. His use of descriptive language and clever wordplay adds to the whimsical nature of the story and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

One of the most entertaining aspects of The Twits is the way in which Dahl plays with language. He uses puns, alliteration, and other literary devices to create a story that is both amusing and memorable. Dahl also has a talent for creating characters that are larger than life, yet still relatable. Even though the Twits are terrible people, readers can’t help but be drawn into their world and root for the monkeys to get their revenge.

Themes and Lessons

The Twits is not just a fun and entertaining read; it also teaches some important lessons. One of the main themes of the book is the idea that cruelty and meanness will eventually catch up with you. The Twits are so focused on causing trouble and making each other miserable that they don’t realize the harm they are doing. However, their actions have consequences, and they ultimately have to face the music.

Another important lesson in The Twits is the power of teamwork. The monkeys in the story are able to overcome the Twits by working together and using their individual strengths to achieve a common goal. This message is especially important for children, who can learn the value of cooperation and collaboration through the adventures of the monkeys.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Twits is a delightful and entertaining book that is sure to make readers of all ages laugh out loud. Roald Dahl’s clever writing style and witty humor make this story a joy to read, while the important lessons it teaches about the consequences of cruelty and the power of teamwork make it a valuable addition to any child’s reading list.

The characters in The Twits are unforgettable, from the vile and repulsive Twits to the mischievous and resourceful monkeys. Dahl’s ability to create such vivid and memorable characters is a testament to his skill as a writer.

Overall, The Twits is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a fun-filled adventure. It is a timeless classic that continues to captivate and entertain readers of all generations. Whether you are a child or an adult, this book is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the power of kindness and teamwork.

Vocabulary Boost

Fifteen vocabulary words from the book which are appropriate for grades 3 and 4 readers.

1. Vile – extremely unpleasant or disgusting

2. Mischievous – causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way

3. Straggly – thin and untidy

4. Scrumptious – extremely delicious or appetizing

5. Miserable – wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable

6. Rancid – smelling or tasting unpleasant as a result of being old and stale

7. Mutter – speak or say something in a low or barely audible voice

8. Cackle – laugh in a harsh, raucous manner

9. Deceive – cause to believe something that is not true

10. Gruesome – causing repulsion or horror; grisly

11. Dastardly – wicked and cruel

12. Oafish – clumsy and stupid

13. Gloat – contemplate or dwell on one’s own success or another’s misfortune with smugness or malignant pleasure

14. Impish – inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous

15. Peculiar – strange or odd; unusual

Multiple Choice Comprehension Quiz

Ten multiple-choice questions and answers for “The Twits” by Roald Dahl

 

1. What is the name so the couple in “The Twits”?

a. Mr. and Mrs. Smith

b. Mr. and Mrs. Brown

c. Mr. and Mrs. Twit

Answer: c. Mr. and Mrs. Twit

 

2. What do the Twits like to do to each other?

a. Give each other presents

b. Play mean-spirited tricks

c. Go on walks together

Answer: b. Play mean-spirited tricks

 

3. What is Mr. Twit’s beard like?

a. Short and neatly trimmed

b. Long and straggly

c. Bald

Answer: b. Long and straggly

 

4. What does Mrs. Twit use her glass eye for?

a. To scare birds away from the garden

b. To spy on her neighbors

c. To see better in the dark

Answer: a. To scare birds away from the garden

 

5. What kind of animals do the Twits keep as pets?

a. Monkeys

b. Dogs

c. Cats

Answer: a. Monkeys

 

6. What do the monkeys do to get revenge on the Twits?

a. They run away

b. They play mean tricks on them

c. They turn the furniture upside down

Answer: c. They turn the furniture upside down