Definition

selfish1 (noun)
1. concerned only with one's personal welfare, with total disregard to that of others.

Evidence

Quotes

Observations

Analysis

In both versions of the tale, it is very clear who is number one in Grandpa Joe's mind. In both versions he decides he must accompany Charlie to the chocolate factory. In the movie, he actually speaks of the ticket as though he, not Charlie, was the winner.

He considers eating everything a viable option. He doesn't pause to consider that others might be hungry. He puts his immediate desire for fizzy lifting drinks ahead of Charlie's lifetime supply of chocolate.

In short, he is worried about himself first and everyone else is a distant second. Even when Wonka give Charlie the factory his first thought is about himself and he never even asks about the rest of the family, not even his own wife.

Footnotes and Sources

  1. Arbor Media, Inc., AllWords.Com.
    Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 AllSites.com, Inc.
  2. Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (New York: Puffin Books, 1998) p. 35
  3. Dahl, p. 50
  4. Dahl, p. 66
  5. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Mel Stuart, US, 100 mins).
  6. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Mel Stuart, US, 100 mins).
  7. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Mel Stuart, US, 100 mins).
  8. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Mel Stuart, US, 100 mins).
  9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005, Tim Burton, US, 115 mins).
  10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Mel Stuart, US, 100 mins).
  11. Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald Willy Wonka Junior (Copyright Unknown, licenced by Music Theater International www.mtishows.com).

This page last modified on 2023-02-26
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