Consumer Society and Social Ecology in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Authors : Tuğba Çelik Korat

Pages : 671-688

Doi:10.22559/folklor.2730

View : 34 | Download : 44

Publication Date : 2024-08-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This research conducts an ecological analysis of the addictions fostered by consumer society, the ethical dilemmas, and the capitalist forces shaping consumer society in Roald Dahl’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The analysis employs literature review and data analysis methods. The findings reveal that Willy Wonka, a pivotal character, embodies capitalist capital, instigates societal addictions through his products, and fails to address these addictions. Wonka induces addictions in children and adults with foodstuffs and other products manufactured by himself and other companies within the capitalist system. The prevalent addictions in the novel include food addiction, shopping addiction, and television addiction. Apart from Charlie Bucket, the protagonist, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee exhibit addictions. The novel also addresses colonialism, which facilitates the spread of global capitalism. One of the social ecology elements criticized in the novel is the portrayal of the Oompa-Loompa tribe, who work day and night in the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka tests his inventions on these workers he brought from India and assigns them dangerous tasks. Throughout the novel, these people are physically and mentally presented as the “other.” Additionally, the characters in the novel are judged for their physical characteristics, addictions, and choices. These results show that Dahl’s children’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” far from criticizing the values of consumer society, reproduces the social dependencies and weaknesses created by this society. The author designed the character of Willy Wonka as a capitalist and rewarded Charlie, who consistently conformed to him and the social consensus. The ideal character created in Charlie’s case is presented as one who does not criticize consumer society but only impulsively submits to it.
Keywords : tüketim toplumu, toplumsal ekoloji, bağımlılık, Charlie\'nin Çikolata Fabrikası