"The Hitchhiker" is a short story by Roald Dahl, first published in 1982. The narrative revolves around a young boy who picks up a hitchhiker on his way home from school. Unbeknownst to the boy, the hitchhiker is not what he seems, and their encounter takes an unexpected turn. Dahl masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, mystery, and humor, characteristic of his storytelling style.
The hitchhiker is an eccentric, ratty-looking man with a sharp nose and clever eyes. The narrator tries to guess his profession, but the passenger remains mysterious, stating only that he is going to the London races but is not a betting man or a jockey. The Speeding Ticket
Many school websites host the story for their students. A quick search for "Roald Dahl The Hitchhiker PDF" alongside terms like "lesson plan" or "English class" can sometimes yield results from educational domains.
He reveals his skills by returning the narrator's watch, which he stole during the ride, and proceeds to unveil his masterpiece: he has stolen the policeman's notebook, containing the very details that could convict the narrator. This moment serves as the climax of the story, flipping the power dynamic entirely. The "shabby" hitchhiker is revealed to be a craftsman of superior skill, while the "authoritative" policeman is rendered a helpless victim. Roald Dahl The Hitchhiker Pdf
The hitchhiker calmly reassures the panicked driver that everything will be fine. He then reveals his profession: a "fingersmith"—not just a pickpocket, but a world-class thief. To demonstrate, he produces the writer's own belt, shoelaces... and the policeman's notebook. He stole it right under the officer's nose, erasing all evidence of the speeding incident. The story ends with them pulling over to burn the notebook.
The pair is pulled over by a police officer for excessive speeding, leading to a dramatic turn of events, as the hitchhiker's true nature is revealed. Core Themes and Analysis
The hitchhiker views his illegal skill not as a base crime, but as an elite art form requiring years of dedication and physical perfection. Dahl draws an implicit parallel between the mastery required to be a "fingersmith" and the mastery required to be a successful writer. 3. Subversion of Authority "The Hitchhiker" is a short story by Roald
Video: The Hitchhiker by Roald Dahl | Summary, Analysis & Themes
Roald Dahl’s "The Hitchhiker" is a perfectly constructed short story. It’s a quick, clever read that packs a huge punch. Whether you're a student looking for a PDF, a teacher preparing a lesson, or a fan of wry, darkly comic tales, this story is a must-read. It proves that a professional pickpocket can indeed be the perfect pal—especially when you're in a pinch with the law.
In a classic Dahl twist, the passenger reveals that he managed to steal both the policeman's notebook and his driver's license right from his pockets during the brief traffic stop, ensuring they both escape punishment. Key Themes and Literary Devices Dahl masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, mystery,
"I'm going to lose my license!" I cried. "And it serves me right for picking up a hitchhiker."
Roald Dahl remains one of the world's most celebrated storytellers. While famous for children's books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , his adult fiction offers a darker, sharper edge. "The Hitchhiker," originally published in 1977 and later included in the anthology The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More , is a masterclass in suspense, human observation, and ironic humor.
Dahl criticises the class system and the abuse of power. The wealthy narrator and the menacing policeman initially seem to hold all the cards. However, Dahl positions the lower-class pickpocket as the most capable and moral person in the car. His final act of theft doesn't feel like a crime; it's a clever and satisfying defeat of an oppressive system.