Consider how this story would be read differently if it were set in modern times. Would the ethical dilemma be different? Would you view the characters and their actions differently?

Do you think Mrs. Foster’s act of omission is morally justified? Why or why not? What do you think the story’s narrator thinks? What about Dahl?

Consider how the story creates expectations and surprises. What did you expect to happen, and were you surprised? How did the story create this effect?

Emotions & Behavior

Fear

Values & Ideas

Good & Evil

Relationships

Marriage

Revenge

Roald Dahl

Adult

Short Story

Fiction

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Way Up To Heaven and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Way Up To Heaven Summary

Background

The Way Up To Heaven Background

Story Analysis

The Way Up To Heaven Story Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Way Up To Heaven Character Analysis

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Themes

The Way Up To Heaven Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Way Up To Heaven Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Way Up To Heaven Literary Devices

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citation

Important Quotes

The Way Up To Heaven Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Way Up To Heaven Essay Topics

The Way Up To Heaven

Essay Topics

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