Essay Questions

Deconstruct the implication of the fog using a Christian viewpoint. - “The Way Up To Heaven”

Dahl writes, "She turned away and peered through the window at the fog. It seemed to be getting thicker as they went along, and now she could only just make out the edge of the road and the margin of grassland beyond it. She knew that her husband was still looking at her. She glanced at him again, and this time she noticed with a kind of horror that he was staring intently at the little place in the corner of her left eye where she could feel the muscle twitching." Pervasive fog is indicative of the impediments which Christians encounter in their journey to heaven. Fog is beyond Mr. Foster's control, and so are the impediments that Christian's encounter often. Twitching is emblematic of the Christians' panic when they encounter temptations.

What ideology does Dahl promote using Mrs. Foster’s resolution to leave for the airport without her husband? - “The Way Up To Heaven”

Dahl writes, "Then, all at once, she sprang to life again. She withdrew the key from the door and carne running back down the steps. "It's too late!" she cried to the chauffeur. "I can't wait for him, I simply can't. I'll miss the plane. Hurry now, driver, hurry! To the airport!"" Mrs. Foster's determination to leave depicts a change in attitude which is mandatory for her to get to the airport in good time. She chooses between pleasing her husband and getting her plane. Dahl uses this section to demonstrate that in some cases sacrifices are mandatory. Mrs. Foster's opportunity cost of waiting for her husband is missing her flight; she avoids the cost by ordering the chauffeur to take her to the airport.

Deconstruct the landlady’s pricing strategy. - “The Landlady”

Billy asks, “How much do you charge?” The landlady replies, “Five and sixpence a night, including breakfast…If that is too much…then perhaps I can reduce it just a tiny bit. Do you desire an egg for breakfast? Eggs are expensive at the moment. It would be sixpence less without the egg.” Low pricing is intended to entice Billy; if the fee had been high, it could have turned Billy off. Moreover, the pricing demonstrates that the landlady’s targets are men who yearn for affordable services. The landlady gives room for negotiations so that she can convince him about the suitability of her services. Billy is not conscious that the woman is not interested in her fees, though; the low pricing is a bait for the landlady’s targets, who are mostly economical.