re: An extremely exhaustive look at symbolism in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Was this all original? Or did you pick up the general theory from somewhere else and just flesh it out?

Either way, very well done. Mind if I share this?

Thank you for sharing this interesting read.

Yea man thanks for posting, really enjoyed it. I know that took some time to gather thoughts and post, but I appreciate it.

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That said, can someone just tell me if Grandpa Joe is appropriately characterized as the devil or some other evil biblical character? I need to know so I can calibrate my expectation on the quality of this post

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You will have to read for yourself- and I think it was interesting enough to spend a couple minutes doing.

It is also interesting you mentioned Grandpa Joe specifically because he is something of a terrible source of bad behaviors and temptation for Charlie. At first glance you could view him as a snake in the garden but you could also view his character as an extended reference to the temptations of man in the life of Joseph.

I would also point out that the name Charlie is a derivation of Charles (from Charlemagne of German origin). In this case that "free man" would refer to "free will" (of man) which is what the weird story of Charlie would become when he exerts free will (in the face of temptation) to ascend to the metaphorical heaven which he deserves after giving his candy (soul) to Wonka (God).

Great post! As a big fan of the movie, that was well worth the read. Any insight as to why everything in Wonka’s office is cut in half?

I didn’t read all this “symbolism” in a movie or book. I thought it was fun just eating worlds Finest Chocolate candy. Does everything have a secret meaning ?