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Analysis of diction and moral in Roald Dahl's "Poison"

Summary:

In Roald Dahl's "Poison," the diction is simple and concise, focusing on building suspense and characterization through dialogue. The moral centers on the consequences of unfounded accusations and prejudice, as demonstrated by Harry's baseless claim of a snake and his subsequent racist insult to the Indian doctor. The story teaches that creating a fuss over nothing and failing to own up to mistakes is wrong.

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What is the moral of Roald Dahl's "Poison"?

In the story, Harry claimed that there was a krait on his stomach and when the doctor and Timber realized there was nothing, Harry became defensive and insulted the doctor. Harry claimed that the snake got on to his stomach when he was reading. He insisted that he saw the small krait that measured approximately ten inches. Timber suggested ways of getting to the krait without letting it harm Harry however, all his suggestions were risky to Harry. Harry suggested they call the doctor for help. Timber asked the Indian doctor to come to their house to help in dealing with the krait. The doctor arrived and first injected Harry with a serum before trying to sedate the krait that was supposedly under the bed sheet. On removing the bed sheet, they realized that there was nothing on Harry’s stomach. This prompted the doctor to express his doubts about Harry’s...

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story. Harry became overly defensive and racially insulted the doctor.

‘Are you telling me I'm a liar?' he shouted. Ganderbai remained absolutely still, watching Harry. Harry took a pace forward on the bed and there was a shining look in his eyes. 'Why, you dirty little Hindu sewer rat!,

From the story, we learn that it is wrong to create a fuss over nothing and that one should own up to their mistakes.

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