In these stories, the "unexpected" often happens. Why are the stories so surprising? How does Dahl encourage this element of suspense?

How does the language that Dahl uses contribute to the themes of the unexpected?

Why does revenge feature so heavily in a series of stories supposedly about the unexpected in everyday life?

Discuss gender roles in these stories. In what way do women feature as products of their environment?

When gender roles are reversed, how does this change the nature of the story? Use "The Landlady" or "Neck" to support your thesis.

How do the visceral and the body feature in Dahl's stories? What is their significance, and how do they add to the uncanny effect of the stories?

Research Freud's essay on the Uncanny. In what ways do Dahl's stories play off - or contradict - these theories?

Are these stories dark...