How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
“Dreams,” he said, “Is very mysterious things. They is floating around in the air like little wispy-misty bubbles. And all the time they is searching for sleeping people.” (7.56)
The main magical elements in this book are dreams. They way they are described makes them almost like creatures. Imagine a dream sidling over to sleeping people to experience them, just like dogs pant up to you asking to be patted.
Quote #2
She had offended him, she could see that. “I wouldn’t ever be fibbling to you,” he said. “I know you wouldn’t,” Sophie said. “But you must understand that it isn’t easy to believe such amazing things straightaway.” (7.98-100)
Sophie’s an eager student of the BFG’s brand of magic. He’s just throwing too many new ideas at her too fast. She’s trying to explain that it’s not that she thinks he’s a liar—she just needs time for the ideas to sink in. You know how it takes a few days for that new geometry concept to start making sense? It’s like that. But maybe slightly funner.
Quote #3
Sometimes, on a very clear night,” the BFG said, “and if I is swiggling my ears in the right direction” – and here he swiveled his great ears upwards so they were facing the ceiling – “if I is swiggling them like this and the night is very clear, I is sometimes hearing faraway music coming from the stars in the sky.” A queer little shiver passed through Sophie’s body. She sat very quiet, waiting for more. (7.81-82)
The type of magic in this book is natural magic, associated with elements of the earth like animals, plants, and the stars. They’re elements we’re already familiar with—even though we’re not familiar with the magic they spit out—and that combination is what makes the fantasy really come alive.