Calling Up Justice has been having some energetic conversations about “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Roald Dahl’s iconic novel published in 1964, has long captivated readers with its tale of a young boy’s journey through the whimsical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Beneath the surface of candy-coated adventures, the story weaves together elements of colonialism and capitalism, reflecting the societal contexts of its time and today.
The character of Willy Wonka embodies capitalist ideals with his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative creations. The factory tour, mirrors the competitive nature of capitalism, where scarcity and the pursuit of wealth drive individuals to strive for the elusive golden opportunity. This narrative framework highlights how society values materialism and opulence.
An intriguing aspect of the story’s evolution lies in Roald Dahl’s original vision for Charlie Bucket, the humble protagonist. Initially conceived as an African American character, Charlie’s potential racial background adds layers to the exploration of societal disparities, but this aspect was eventually changed in later drafts. The Oompa-Loompas, small workers within the factory, were originally depicted as African tribesmen in the book’s early drafts. Later editions revised the Oompa-Loompas’ origins to be from the fictional Loompaland due to the offensive and racist nature of the original depiction.
This story has gone through numerous adaptions that have furthered it’s cultural impact. The 1971 musical film adaptation, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” with Gene Wilder and the 2005 film adaptation, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Johnny Depp, brought the tale to life on the big screen. “Wonka” is being released in 2023 starring Timothee Chalamet. All these projects have issues!
