1. In the first part of the book, Dahl tries to build the reader's anticipation about the chocolate factory. What techniques does he use? How successful is he?

2. The chocolate factory is supposed to be a wondrous place. What are its most wondrous features? Of its many rooms, which is your favorite?

3. Four of the five children who tour the factory are punished for their misbehavior. How do their fates correspond to their actions? Are their punishments too severe?

4. The four children who are punished are not the only characters whom Dahl condemns. He also criticizes their parents. How do these parents contribute to their children's behavior?

5. Although this book is very popular with children, it is disliked by many adults. Why do these two different age groups have such different reactions to the same text?