The Hitchhiker By Roald Dahl Pdf

" The Hitchhiker ," a short story by Roald Dahl first published in 1977, is a masterful example of his ability to blend suspense, dark humor, and a sharp critique of authority. Originally appearing in The Atlantic Monthly , the story was later featured in his renowned collection, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More . Plot Summary The narrative follows a wealthy writer driving to London in his brand-new BMW 3.3 Li , a car he is eager to test to its 129 mph limit. Along the way, he picks up a hitchhiker who has a "ratty-faced" appearance and long, slim fingers. The hitchhiker remains secretive about his profession, only revealing he is going to the horse races. When the narrator speeds to prove the car’s power, they are pulled over by an arrogant and abusive police officer . The officer records both their details in his notebook, intending to prosecute them severely. However, once they continue their journey, the hitchhiker reveals himself to be a "fingersmith" —a highly skilled pickpocket. He demonstrates his expertise by revealing he has stolen the narrator’s watch and belt without him noticing—and, crucially, both of the policeman’s notebooks. The story concludes with the two men pulling off the road to burn the evidence. Key Themes and Analysis Abuse of Authority: Dahl highlights the arrogance of the law through the motorcycle cop, who uses his position to intimidate rather than protect. The Value of Skilled Trades: Both characters take pride in their "trades"—one as a writer and the other as a pickpocket. The hitchhiker considers himself an artist, advocating for being "very, very good" at what you do. Appearance vs. Reality: The narrator initially judges the hitchhiker based on his rough appearance, only to find him to be a skilled and ultimately helpful companion. Finding "The Hitchhiker" by Roald Dahl PDF For those looking to read the full text, several educational and digital platforms offer the story for academic or personal study:

Title "The Hitchhiker" — Roald Dahl (short story) Bibliographic info

Author: Roald Dahl Type: Short story (often anthologized) First published: 1977 (collection: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More)

Summary (brief) A man recounts picking up a hitchhiker who reveals an uncanny skill: he can remove his thumb and replace it with a miniature glass eye-like device that allows him to see through locked doors and feel vibrations — actually the hitchhiker is a remarkably skilled pickpocket and safecracker with near-supernatural dexterity. The narrator becomes both fascinated and unnerved as the hitchhiker demonstrates methods for lifting wallets and opening safes; the story ends with a twist emphasizing irony and the narrator’s moral unease. Main characters the hitchhiker by roald dahl pdf

Narrator (unnamed) — curious, morally conflicted observer. The Hitchhiker — enigmatic, highly skilled thief; charismatic and matter-of-fact about his crimes. Minor figures — victims implied through anecdotes; police and society remain peripheral.

Themes

Deception and duplicity Skill versus morality Fascination with criminality / ambivalent voyeurism Irony and dark humor " The Hitchhiker ," a short story by

Tone and style

Wry, conversational first-person narration. Dry, understated humor with suspenseful beats. Economy of detail; emphasis on dialogue and clever reveals typical of Dahl’s adult short stories.

Structure and pacing

Linear anecdotal recounting with rising tension as demonstrations escalate. Climax: reveal/demonstration of the hitchhiker’s techniques. Resolution: ambiguous moral judgment; lingering unease.

Literary devices