What is your personal opinion of Richard Pratt? What techniques does Dahl use to reveal his character? - Richard Pratt is manipulative, arrogant, and uses his knowledge to dominate others. Dahl reveals his character through his exaggerated descriptions of wine, his flirtatious remarks to Louise, and especially his reaction when the stakes are raised—he becomes overconfident and cocky. His language is pompous and performative, which makes him both ridiculous and threatening., How does the setting (a formal dinner party) contribute to the tension and plot? - The elegant setting creates a contrast between the civilized surface and the unethical behavior underneath. Because it's a formal dinner, everyone pretends to be polite—even when they’re clearly uncomfortable or outraged. The formality also makes the bet more shocking and absurd, highlighting how social norms can be twisted., What role does Louise play in the story? - Louise initially seems passive, being treated as a prize in a bet. However, in the final moment, she has the last word—exposing Richard’s cheating with calm sarcasm. This shows she is observant and not fooled by the male egos at the table., Why is the ending effective (or not)? Would you have preferred a different resolution? - The ending is effective because it delivers a classic Roald Dahl twist. It shifts power away from Richard in a quiet but devastating way. It’s satisfying because justice is served without violence or yelling—just with one perfectly timed sentence. A different ending might have made the moral more obvious, but the subtlety is what makes it memorable., Is this story purely humorous, or is there a deeper social critique? If so, what is it? - It’s both. The humor comes from the absurdity of the situation, but underneath there's a sharp critique of elitism, sexism, and superficial social values. The story mocks pretentious intellectuals who use their knowledge to manipulate others, and highlights how women can be objectified in male power games., Would the story work in a modern-day setting? How would it change? - Yes, but the "prize" would have to change—betting a woman would be even more offensive today. The story could involve a career opportunity, a valuable object, or social media humiliation. Instead of wine, it might revolve around craft coffee, or Michelin-starred food—something trendy and elite., Have you ever met someone like Richard Pratt—a “know-it-all” or snob? How do people usually react to them? - People often react with discomfort, annoyance, or fake admiration. Sometimes, they avoid confrontation to keep things “polite”—which mirrors the characters’ behavior in the story., In what ways does Roald Dahl criticize the upper class in "Taste"? - He mocks their pretentious behavior and obsession with sophistication, especially around wine and fine dining. The story exposes how this obsession is often shallow and performative rather than meaningful., Why do you think Dahl chose wine and fine dining as the focus of his satire? - Wine is often associated with elitism and social status, so it works as a perfect symbol for vanity and class-based arrogance. It allows Dahl to exaggerate snobbery in a relatable and recognizable way., What is ironic about Richard’s behavior compared to how he presents himself? - He presents himself as a man of refined taste and honor, but he cheats to win. The irony lies in the contrast between his public persona and private actions., What do you think is the central message or moral of the story? - The story warns against arrogance and the abuse of knowledge. It shows that pretending to be superior or using expertise to manipulate others can lead to humiliation and loss of respect., What does the story suggest about appearances versus reality? - It suggests that people who appear cultured or refined may still act unethically. Pratt seems like a sophisticated gentleman, but in reality, he’s a fraud who cheats to maintain his image.,

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