49 pages • 1 hour read
David WalliamsDemon Dentist
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Winnie’s Moped
Winnie’s moped becomes a helpful tool for Alfie in his quest to save Gabz from the witch; as such, the machine serves as a symbol of his acceptance of Winnie as a supportive ally. The moped initially helps to highlight Alfie’s conflict with Winnie, especially when she uses it to pursue him through the school and into the streets on the day of his appointment with Miss Root. Later, when Winnie begins to believe that Miss Root is endangering the children of the town, she helps Alfie in his attempt to save Gabz. Winnie and Alfie pursue the witch on Winnie’s moped together, with Winnie operating the vehicle and Alfie watching the smoke trail left by the witch’s flying gas cylinder: “Alfie kept his eyes focused upward, directing Winnie after the trail of smoke” (325). In teaming up with Winnie, Alfie experiences a great change of heart and realizes that Winnie is now an ally instead of an adversary.
The moped’s appearance in the last scene of the novel is significant symbolism as well. Winnie and Raj barely fit on the moped themselves, but they make room for Alfie to ride between them as they steer toward whatever the future holds. Symbolizing the loyal assistance that Alfie receives and the loving role of his new family, the moped helps to support the theme of The Benefits of Teamwork in Facing Danger.
New Teeth
Alfie receives a set of dentures from Raj right after Miss Root takes out all of Alfie’s teeth. Though the new teeth do not fit perfectly, they are relatively comfortable and allow him to talk in a way that his words and speech are clear. Being able to communicate makes Alfie feel much better: He is “delighted to discover that he c[an] at last talk again” (217). The teeth allow Alfie to concentrate on the “nasties” that others received under their pillows that morning, according to Raj, and to formulate a plan of action to lure the tooth snatcher, reveal their identity, and discover the connection to Miss Root. Alfie’s new teeth symbolically represent his resilience in taking control of the mystery and his courage to confront and contend with Miss Root’s evil doings. By actively taking ownership of new teeth and plotting a path forward, his behavior contrasts with his choice that morning to run away to avoid his dental appointment. This shows Alfie’s growth and maturity. The teeth, as a symbol of Alfie’s newfound resilience, help develop the theme of Confronting Adversity Versus Running Away.
Girlfriend Denial
Alfie’s girlfriend denial is a motif throughout the novel that contributes to its comedic value. He puts down the very idea of Gabz being his girlfriend several times: to PC Plank when Alfie and Gabz appeal for the officer’s help; with Raj, who coins the effective use of the term “friendgirl”; to Winnie as he attempts to save Gabz from the dentist’s office; and, in a highly dramatic moment, as the Tooth Witch threatens Gabz with a scary dental tool. Gabz, for her part, agrees each time that she is in no way Alfie’s girlfriend and that she would never agree to be such: “I wouldn’t go out with you if you were the last boy on earth!” (325).
The author saves Alfie’s strongest denial for the highest point of suspense to bring a burst of comedy to an overwise potentially scary scene; this occurs immediately after the witch falls into the flesh-eating toothpaste, when Dad innocently asks if the girl still hanging above the cauldron is Alfie’s girlfriend. Alfie asserts, “NO! For the last time! She is not my girlfriend!” (378). Alfie’s feelings about Gabz not being his girlfriend represent a youthful mindset and a common reaction among middle schoolers with friends of the opposite gender.
However, Alfie and Gabz have grown and matured by the year following Dad’s funeral. In a significant turn of events, their maturity allows them to admit more romantic feelings for one another, and they are now officially boyfriend and girlfriend. This change of heart helps support the theme of Changing One’s Mindset Following Growth and Maturation.
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By David Walliams
