Poison by Roald Dahl: The Poison of Fear

The story ”Poison” by Roald Dahl shows how the poison of fear can seep inside of one and torment one’s mind Just like poison, fear can come from anything, varying from bad luck to death. In this story, Harry’s mind tricks him into believing that while he was reading, he ‘ saw this little krait slide out of [his] pajamas Harry was already preoccupied late at night with a book before he “saw” the snake, so there’s a good chance that he imagined it.

And still, Harry’s mind is poisoned into fearing said snake, causing him great distress. Also similar to poison, fear builds up inside you, Harry went from sounding somewhat sane, to telling Timber crazy things like “Take your shoes off before you come nearer, please do as I say, Timber. Harry’s previous figment of imagination has – by now – inflated him with enough fear to cause panic for both him and Timber.

Timber is tearful for Harry and Harry is fearful for his life Lastly, not only does fear cloud your mind, but it also clouds your thoughts and reactions.

Timber thought of a bucket-load of different ways to deal with the snake besides the most obvious, “‘ Why don’t you get a doctor?‘ Harry said. The way he looked at me told me I should have thought of that in the first place.” Now Harry has probably had enough time to cool his head, or maybe he just forcing himself to think for his safety’s sake, but Timber is just a complete mess the moment he finds out what “trouble” Harry’s in Timber’s mind is stuffed with fear, just like one might be stuffed with poison.

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Therefore, the concept of fear and the title “Poison” are not only related, but also intertwined in the creation of Roald Dahl‘s story.