How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
“I is the titchy one. I is the runt. Twenty-four feet is puddlenuts in Giant Country.”
“You mustn’t feel bad about it,” Sophie said. “I think you are just great. Why even your toes must be as big as sausages.”
“Bigger,” said the BFG, looking pleased. (6.37-39)
It’s only the sixth chapter, and already Sophie knows how to make her new friend feel good—by reminding him how large he is. Talk about sausages and it’s enough to make anyone’s day.
Quote #2
He galloped off fast to his cave with Sophie hanging on tight to the rim of the pocket. He rolled back the stone. He entered the cave. He was very excited. He was moving quickly. “You stay where you is in my pocket, huggybee,” he said. “We is doing this lovely bit of buckswashling together.” (13.17)
It’s Sophie and the BFG’s first prank! A milestone in any friendship. Note the BFG’s perfect pet name for Sophie: a combination of “hug” and “honeybee.” Adorbs.
Quote #3
“That,” the BFG said, “is because one day I is catching so many dreams I is not having the time or energy to write out long labels. But there is enough to remind me.” “Can I look?” Sophie said. The long-suffering BFG carried her across to the jars he was pointing to. (14.83-85)
Friendship is holding your friend up to read labels on shelves five times her height, even when your arm is tired.
Quote #4
“What’s the matter?” Sophie whispered in her under-the-breath voice. “I is in a bit of a puddle,” he said. “You’re doing marvelously,” Sophie whispered. (17.26-28)
Sophie’s first instinct when the BFG gets nervous is to encourage him. She wants to keep going, yes, but she also wants him to feel good about himself.
Quote #5
“I is going off to wait in the garden,” the BFG whispered. “When you is wanting me, just call out my name and I is coming very quick.”
“Will you hear me?” Sophie whispered.
“You is forgetting these,” the BFG whispered, smiling and pointing to his great ears.
“Goodbye,” Sophie whispered.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, the BFG leaned forward and kissed her gently on the cheek. (18.48-52)
The BFG hasn’t called Sophie a friend yet, or shown much affection. He’s been kind, but this is the moment where we see how much she means to him.
Quote #6
“He is a good giant, Your Majesty,” Sophie said. “You need not be frightened of him.” “I’m delighted to hear it,” said the Queen, still smiling. “He is my best friend, Your Majesty.” (19.92-94)
Here’s another milestone. Sophie not only refers to the BFG as her friend: he’s her BFF BFG.
Quote #7
A shower of glass fell upon the poor BFG. “Gunghummers and bogswinkles!” he cried. “What was that?” “It was Louis the Fifteenth,” the Queen said, looking slightly put out. “He’s never been to a house before,” Sophie said. (20.28-30)
See how Sophie rushes to defend the BFG? She doesn’t want the Queen to think that he’s careless, so she tries to explain his behavior. He can’t be blamed if he just plain doesn’t know household etiquette, right?
Quote #8
The BFG looked down from his lofty perch and said, this time to the Head of the Air Force, “You is having bellypoppers, is you not?”
“Is he being rude?” the Head of the Air Force said.
“He means helicopters,” Sophie told him. (21.27-19)
What’s better than a friend? A translator. Without Sophie’s help interpreting, the Heads of the Army and Air Force would never understand the plan for capturing the other giants.
Quote #9
“Well done you!” Sophie cried. “Well done you!” said the BFG, smiling down at the little girl. “You is saving all of our lives!” (21.131-132)
The BFG and Sophie have worked together to take down the Fleshlumpeater, and neither one is trying to take all the credit. They’re simply proud of each other. Not to mention relieved not to be a snack right about now.
Quote #10
The Queen herself gave orders that a special house with tremendous high ceilings and enormous doors should immediately be built in Windsor Great Park, next to her own castle, for the BFG to live in. And a pretty little cottage was put up next door for Sophie. (23.10)
Imagine how funny it must look: a ginormous mansion next to what looks like a dollhouse. And the Queen doesn’t even need to ask to know that the best place for Sophie and the BFG is with each other. They belong together—even if together means different houses. Hey, you can’t blame her for not wanting to get stepped on.