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She might even be your lovely school-teacher who is reading these words to you at this very moment. Look carefully at that teacher. Perhaps she is smiling at the absurdity of such a suggestion. Don't let that put you off. It could be part of cleverness. I am not, of course, telling you for one second that your teacher actually is a witch. All I am saying is that she might be one. It is most unlikely. But--here comes the big "but"--not impossible.
Roald Dahl
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that the extraordinary can exist within the ordinary, urging us to keep an open mind about possibilities.

In this quote, Roald Dahl playfully encourages readers to entertain the idea that the mundane figures in their lives, like a school teacher, may harbor hidden complexities and stories. It highlights the idea that while certain thoughts may seem absurd or unlikely, embracing imagination and the unpredictable nature of life can lead to wonder. The playful tone invites readers to look beyond the surface and consider the whimsical possibilities that may lie within everyday situations.

Themes

ImaginationPossibilityOrdinaryExtraordinaryWhimsy

In practice

Example use cases

Use this quote to inspire students during a creative writing class about thinking outside the box.

More from Roald Dahl

The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives.
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I asked my mum, who's a very clever psychotherapist, and she says that kids love stories about death; they need it, they need to have stories that deal with death and explain it, as a place to put their fears.
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By the time I am nearing the end of a story, the first part will have been reread and altered and corrected at least one hundred and fifty times. I am suspicious of both facility and speed. Good writing is essentially rewriting. I am positive of this.
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You seemed so far away," Miss Honey whispered, awestruck. "Oh, I was. I was flying past the stars on silver wings," Matilda said. "It was wonderful.
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If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.
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