Sophie and the BFG are much smaller and more powerless than all the other characters in the story, so the only way they can get anything done is by scheming. At first, it’s only the BFG racking up the wins. He can trick the other giants because he knows what they’re like. But Sophie comes up with the biggest idea: a plan for how to tell the Queen about the giants so that she’ll not only believe them, but also help put a stop to the giants’ murderous eating habits.
Their clever plans are half the fun of the book. There’s also the fun fact of Dahl’s practicing what he preaches: showing that an adventure can be exciting, even without any violence. Take that lesson to heart, Shmoopers: a good scheme beats throwing punches any day.
Questions About Cunning and Cleverness
- How does the BFG use his understanding of the other giants’ psychology to outsmart them?
- How does quick thinking help characters overcome obstacles in The BFG?
- What traits of the BFG convince the Queen that he is nobody’s fool (even if he may be a bit of a swishfiggler)?
- How does Sophie come up with her big plan?
Chew on This
It’s all about believing in yourself: Sophie’s certainty that she can accomplish anything is what allows her and the BFG to stop the other giants.
The major difference between the BFG and the Heads of the Army and Navy is that the BFG is able to come up with creative solutions.