The BFG

Whizzpopping, farting with so much force that a person lifts off the ground, functions symbolically on several levels. Whizzpopping represents the wonder of Giant Country—a place that most humans would not believe exists. Things that are seemingly impossible in the human world are made possible in Giant Country, where even the laws of physics can be reversed: Whizzpopping is achieved by drinking Frobscottle—a carbonated drink where the bubbles travel down instead of up. Whizzpopping highlights that the inhabitants of Giant Country also do not abide by the social norms and niceties of the human world. Sophie points out that humans can produce whizzpopps (farts) but that it is not considered polite. However, to the BFG, the sound of whizzpopping is delightful. The BFG’s love of whizzpopping symbolizes his unconventional, childlike, and joyous approach to life.

The scene where the BFG whizzpopps in front of the Queen further develops the theme of The Joy of Silliness and Imagination. The contrast between the Queen—a figure who commands respect and socially acceptable behavior from most—and the whizzpopping giant reiterates Roald Dahl’s incorporation of humor throughout the story. Whizzpopping makes fun of conventional British manners and suggests that many social rules around behavior are arbitrary; children like Sophie may get away with whizzpopping when they are younger, and even enjoy it, until they are told by adults it is rude and prohibited.