If you are a teacher who found this article via a search for "The Hitchhiker by Roald Dahl pdf" to print for a class, consider these lesson plan ideas:
Note to teachers: Because this story is under copyright, you cannot legally distribute a photocopied PDF to an entire class unless your school has purchased a class set or a license through a service like Scribd or a literary anthology.
"The Hitchhiker" by Roald Dahl is a captivating tale that weaves together elements of suspense, dark humor, and the exploration of human nature. Through its guide, readers are invited to explore not just the story itself but also the broader themes and contexts that make Dahl's work so enduringly fascinating. Whether you're a longtime fan of Roald Dahl or a new reader, "The Hitchhiker" promises a journey through the unexpected, with insights into the quirks of life and human behavior.
To help you with your guide on "The Hitch-Hiker" by Roald Dahl, Quick Summary
The story follows a narrator who picks up a hitchhiker while driving his brand-new BMW to London. To test the car's speed, the narrator accelerates to 129 mph but is promptly pulled over by a policeman on a motorcycle. While the policeman records their details, the hitchhiker claims to be a "fingersmith"—a highly skilled pickpocket who prefers the term "professional" over "thief". In a final twist, the hitchhiker reveals he has stolen both the narrator's license and the policeman's notebook, effectively erasing any evidence of the speeding ticket. Character Guide the hitchhiker by roald dahl pdf
The Narrator: A successful writer who is proud of his new car. Though wealthy, he empathizes with the lower class and always picks up hitchhikers because he remembers being poor.
The Hitch-Hiker: Described as having "rat-like" features—small, with grey teeth and pointed ears. He is a master of his craft, possessing incredible manual dexterity and a unique philosophy regarding his "trade".
The Policeman: Representing authority, he is portrayed as somewhat arrogant and intimidating until he is unknowingly outsmarted by the hitchhiker's skill. Thematic Analysis
Social Class and Authority: Dahl explores the friction between the working class and authority figures. The hitchhiker challenges the policeman's power through deception rather than violence. If you are a teacher who found this
Skill and "Fingersmithery": The story highlights the hitchhiker's pride in his specialized skill. He distinguishes himself from common thieves, viewing his ability as an art form.
Subverting Expectations: In classic Dahl fashion, the story rewards the "underdog." The "rat-like" man, who initially seems suspicious or lowly, becomes the narrator's savior. Reading Resources
While full PDF versions are often subject to copyright, you can find the text in several ways:
Original Collection: The story is part of the 1977 collection The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More. Note to teachers: Because this story is under
Educational Summaries: Platforms like Study.com provide detailed lesson plans and thematic breakdowns.
Study Guides: For academic analysis, sites like Studeersnel offer discussion points and character sketches. The Hitchhiker by Roald Dahl | Summary, Analysis & Themes
If you have found yourself searching for "The Hitchhiker by Roald Dahl PDF," you are likely in one of two camps: a student frantically looking for homework material, or a fiction lover revisiting one of Dahl’s most ingenious short stories.
While Roald Dahl is globally celebrated for his children’s novels like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, his adult short stories possess a darker, more cynical wit. "The Hitchhiker," originally published in The New Yorker in 1977 and later collected in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, is a masterclass in subverting expectations.
For those seeking the digital text, the appeal lies not just in convenience, but in the story's sharp structure and its audacious protagonist. Here is a closer look at why this story continues to captivate readers and what makes the PDF version such a sought-after resource.