In Roald Dahl's The BFG, the giants' profound dislike and fear of water is a significant vulnerability. Their aversion stems from a very specific reason: water is an element they cannot control, despite their immense size and power.
The Uncontrollable Force
Giants, particularly the human-eating variety like the Bloodbottler or the Fleshlumpeater, pride themselves on their might and dominance. However, water, in its various forms, represents a force of nature that is entirely beyond their brute strength. This lack of control makes them deeply afraid of it.
- Loss of Dominance: Unlike other creatures or even humans, whom they can overpower, water cannot be fought, captured, or commanded. This frustrates their inherent desire for control and superiority, making them uneasy and fearful.
- Vulnerability Revealed: Their fear of water highlights a surprising weakness in beings otherwise considered invincible. It exposes a chink in their formidable armor, making them susceptible to things like rain.
BFG's Exploitation of This Fear
The BFG cleverly leverages this deep-seated fear against the other, more menacing giants. For instance, when the BFG wishes to deter the giants, he can simply tell them that rain is coming. This threat is enough to send the formidable giants scattering, seeking refuge and hiding from an element they perceive as an uncontrollable and terrifying force. Their immediate retreat underscores just how paralyzing this fear of an ungovernable natural phenomenon is for them.
This inherent fear of water serves as a key plot point, emphasizing that even the most formidable antagonists can possess surprising weaknesses.
