The Magic Finger

These opening pages establish the setting, which plays an important role in the plot, immediately. The first thing that the narrator describes is the farm she lives on and that of her neighbors, the Greggs. Farms are an in-between place, combining both nature/animals and people and their technology. This becomes important later, as the Greggs’ own technology (their guns) is turned against them by those they once hunted. The setting suggests that animals are a big part of the characters’ everyday lives, and the story quickly turns toward hunting and protecting animals. The main symbol of the story, the Magic Finger, is also introduced. The girl’s Magic Finger represents how the narrator stands up for what she believes in. She uses it to correct injustice, defending animals and punishing cruel people. 

Dahl’s unique and playful writing style is immediately established as well. He often talks straight to the reader, making the book feel like a conversation. For example, he says, “Oh, all right, then. He is eleven” (7), as if answering a question from someone reading the story. He also uses a literary device known as direct address, in which he writes directly to the reader: “I am going to tell you about it as best I can” (7), he says, which invites readers into the world like close friends. Dahl also uses lots of exclamation marks and capital letters to show big emotions. The narrator says, “I PUT THE MAGIC FINGER ON THEM ALL!” (10), using capital letters to show her excitement and how serious this moment is. The scene tells readers that when people don’t listen to her words, the narrator’s feelings become so strong that they create magic. 

Dahl also uses foreshadowing throughout to create tension and suspense. Mr. Gregg sees the ducks circling his house but goes to bed anyway, ignoring the problem and hoping it will go away. The next morning, however, he has no choice but to face it. Dahl doesn’t shy away from tough moments either, as when Mrs. Winter is turned into a cat and the narrator states, “If any of you are wondering whether Mrs. Winter is quite all right again now, the answer is No. And she never will be” (13). His blunt, straightforward tone is characteristic of Dahl’s other work, as he is known for incorporating the darker aspects of life, like the fact that not every mistake can be undone, into his stories.

The illustrations by Quentin Blake match Dahl’s storytelling—they are loose, sketchy drawings full of movement and feeling. One darkly toned drawing shows a bird falling from the sky after being shot, emphasizing the horrors of hunting with its portrayal. Another picture shows the Greggs looking terrified at the sight of the big birds circling under a spooky moon, which helps create the suspenseful mood. The illustrations are there to reinforce mood and even introduce details that the narrative does not address, such as physical descriptions of the Greggs. 

One of the most important ideas in The Magic Finger is established with the theme of The Importance of Empathy. The narrator hates hunting, because she sees it as unfair. She says, “I can’t stand hunting. I just can’t stand it. It doesn’t seem right to me that men and boys should kill animals just for the fun they get out of it” (8). She believes animals have feelings too, and people shouldn’t hurt them just for sport. This message becomes clearer when the Greggs are turned into bird-people. Suddenly, they know what it’s like to be hunted, cold, and scared. Philip says, “We will be eaten by cats and foxes in the night!” (30), showing he finally understands the fear animals feel. Through this twist, the story teaches readers that it is important to think about how others feel, especially when in a position of power.

The book also talks about how humans treat nature and the pressing need for a shift in perspective on hunting culture. The Gregg family enjoys hunting and doesn’t think about the pain they cause. Even the youngest child, Philip, has his own gun. When the narrator sees them shooting ducks, she becomes furious. Later, the story shows how the animals fight back; giant ducks surround the Greggs and take their guns away.

The narrator is a strong character, but people around her don’t listen to her. She is still very young, so adults often ignore what she says. Mr. Gregg and his sons laugh when she says hunting is wrong. Her teacher even calls her “stupid” because she can’t spell well or do math quickly. But what others see as weakness is actually her greatest strength, establishing the theme of Vulnerability as a Strength. She cares deeply about animals and tries to protect them. Her power is a symbol of standing up for what’s right, even when others do not agree.