Adversity In Poison By Roald Dahl

When opposed with adversity, that is when someone’s true colors show. Roald Dahl’s “Poison” relays this idea into his work when the main character is conflicted with a snake being on his chest. Instead of reacting in fear, as one may have thought, he reacts with hatred and racism that has previously been embedded within his nature. Knowing this, and a study of characters, conflict, and title analysis, the readers of “Poison” by Roald Dahl, can discover the ambiguous ending to actually be a pointed discussion of the poison racism is to mankind. The three main characters in the book are all faced with an adversity of some kind. However, their responses to adversity are contrasting. Timber and Dr. Ganderbai act with a sense of helpfulness and
calmness to the situation. Harry Pope on the other hand becomes insulting and rude to those who are trying to help him. He calls out racial slurs to Dr. Ganderbai after Ganderbai sincerely questions the existence of a snake, revealing Pope’s true racist nature. Pope does not feel any sympathy toward his insults to Dr. Ganderbai nor their dilemma. The main conflict of the story is Harry’s hate and racism toward Dr. Ganderbai. Ironically, it is not the snake being or not being on Harry’s chest. Harry is nice to Ganderbai when he thinks the snake is on his chest and Ganderbai is helping him. However, after he discovers there is no snake on his chest, and Ganderbai wonders if there ever was a snake, Harry tries to belittle Ganderbai and insults him with racist comments. Dr. Ganderbai is caught off guard by this after he had just tried to save this man’s life. The racism displayed by Harry is a major part of the story. It is symbolic to the title of the story. The title “Poison” refers to two different meanings. The first meaning being the literal venom from the snake on Harry’s chest. This would have been very poisonous and deadly to Harry’s physical body. The second is its figurative meaning, racism. Although it may not be the most obvious of the two meanings, it is definitely the most important. This “Poison” is a far greater pain than a snake bite. It reaches the emotional and spiritual body. A pain that cannot be easily mended or fixed. The title of the story is a great illustration of its them, racism is a poison to mankind. The story “Poison” is a very enjoyable story to read, yet it has a deeper purpose than to just be enjoyed. It is a teaching and a lesson of the maliciousness of racism. Unfortunately, by just reading the story you may not catch it. However, through a study of characters, conflict, and title analysis, it is easier to understand the message of the story. All those elements combined prove the theme, racism is a poison to mankind.