Roald Dahl has long been celebrated for his ability to weave stories that champion the downtrodden and expose societal injustices. This theme is particularly vivid in his children's literature, where young protagonists often confront and triumph over oppression. A recurring element in Dahl’s narratives is his unwavering support for justice, albeit delivered in unconventional and sometimes harsh ways.

The Magic Finger presents a compelling narrative centered around an eight-year-old girl who possesses a unique ability: the power to transform those who act unjustly. In this tale, the oppressed are represented by deer and wild ducks, threatened by the Gregg family's hunting practices. The story unfolds with the young heroine using her magical finger to turn the tables, ensuring that the Greggs experience life from the animals' perspective. This transformation ultimately teaches them empathy, leading to a harmonious resolution. However, not all the characters in the book find such redemption. A subplot reveals a cruel teacher who falls victim to the girl's magic, transforming into a catlike creature—a permanent reminder of her wrongdoing.

James and the Giant Peach (1961) continues this exploration of justice through the character of James, a young boy subjected to the cruelty of his two aunts. These women, wicked and indifferent to his suffering, are portrayed in stark contrast to the magical world that James accidentally discovers through a mysterious gift of magic crystals. Intended to change his life for the better, the crystals instead spill onto the ground, leading to the birth of an enormous peach. This peach, massive and enchanted, becomes the vessel for James’s adventures, offering him a chance at happiness and escape. Yet, the narrative delivers a harsh justice to the aunts, who meet their end when the peach rolls over them—an outcome that underscores the sometimes brutal nature of the retribution in Dahl’s works.

In Matilda (1988), Dahl introduces another young protagonist who grapples with injustice in the form of neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress, Mrs. Trunchbull. Matilda, gifted with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers, takes it upon herself to right the wrongs in her life. Her quest for justice leads to a resolution where she outwits her oppressors and finds solace with her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey. However, the path to this resolution is lined with instances of cruelty and aggression, challenging readers to grapple with the moral complexities presented in the story.

Dahl's narratives, while entertaining and imaginative, serve as a medium for highlighting the prevalence of injustice in the world and the necessity for those who can, to stand against it. His works, particularly The Magic Finger, invite readers to consider the impact of their actions and the importance of empathy. Although this book might be the least confrontational, it remains a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in addressing serious issues with creativity and insight.