Esio Trot

Summary

Roald Dahl's book "Esio Trot" tells a touching and amusing story about Mr. Hoppy, a shy and kind retiree who lives in an apartment building. He is secretly in love with his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, but is too timid to confess his feelings. Mrs. Silver adores her little tortoise named Alfie but wishes it would grow bigger. Mr. Hoppy, eager to help Mrs. Silver and win her heart, devises a clever plan. He convinces Mrs. Silver that he knows a magic spell to make Alfie grow faster. In reality, Mr. Hoppy buys numerous tortoises of different sizes and gradually swaps them, creating the illusion of Alfie's growth. Eventually, Mrs. Silver is amazed by the results and thanks Mr. Hoppy for his help. Their relationship grows closer, and Mr. Hoppy finally finds the happiness he has long dreamed of.

Main Ideas

• Roald Dahl's "Esio Trot" explores the tender and touching feelings that can develop between people, even if they remain hidden for a long time. The main character, Mr. Hoppy, is in love with his neighbor Mrs. Silver but is too shy to confess his feelings.
• The central theme of the book is love and the pursuit of happiness. Mr. Hoppy, being a shy and modest person, finds an unusual way to win Mrs. Silver's heart using his creativity and resourcefulness.
• The book also delves into the theme of loneliness and the desire for companionship. Mr. Hoppy and Mrs. Silver live alone, and their relationship shows how important it is to have someone to share your thoughts and feelings with.
• One of the key concepts is the idea that love can inspire incredible actions. Mr. Hoppy devises a clever plan to help Mrs. Silver, demonstrating how far one can go for love.
• Roald Dahl also touches on the theme of kindness and caring for others. Mr. Hoppy shows genuine care for Mrs. Silver and her tortoise, highlighting the importance of kind deeds and attention to those around us.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Mr. Hoppy is an elderly, shy, and kind-hearted man who lives in the apartment above Mrs. Silver. He has long been in love with his neighbor but is too timid to confess his feelings. Mr. Hoppy is a man of rich imagination and inventiveness, which is evident in his plan to help Mrs. Silver with her tortoise. As events unfold, he overcomes his hesitance and shows courage to win Mrs. Silver's heart.
• Mrs. Silver is a kind and caring woman who lives in the apartment below Mr. Hoppy. She adores her tortoise Alfie and worries that he isn't growing. Mrs. Silver is open and friendly but unaware of Mr. Hoppy's feelings for her. Ultimately, thanks to Mr. Hoppy's efforts, she finds happiness and love.

Interesting Facts

• The title of the book is an anagram of the word "tortoise" in English, emphasizing the central role of this animal in the plot.
• The main character, Mr. Hoppy, is a shy and kind person who finds an unusual way to express his feelings for his neighbor Mrs. Silver.
• Mrs. Silver's tortoise, Alfie, becomes a symbol of change and hope, as Mr. Hoppy devises a clever plan to help it grow.
• The book is filled with humor and kindness, characteristic of Roald Dahl's style, and shows how small actions can lead to significant changes in life.
• The story is illustrated by Quentin Blake, whose drawings add charm to the book and help convey an atmosphere of lightness and magic.

Book Review

"Esio Trot" is a charming and touching story written by Roald Dahl, which reveals a world of tender feelings and unexpected twists of fate. The book tells the tale of Mr. Hoppy, a shy and kind man who is in love with his neighbor Mrs. Silver. However, his shyness prevents him from expressing his feelings. Critics note that Dahl masterfully creates an atmosphere of kindness and lightness that permeates the entire book. His distinctive style, filled with humor and warmth, makes the story accessible and appealing to readers of all ages. Special attention is given to the symbolism of the tortoise, which becomes a key element of the plot. The tortoise, as a symbol of slow but steady progress, reflects Mr. Hoppy's inner state, his desire for change, and hope for a better future. Quentin Blake's illustrations accompanying the text add visual charm to the book and help readers immerse themselves more deeply into the world created by Dahl. Critics also emphasize that "Esio Trot" is a story about how small but sincere efforts can lead to significant changes in life. It is a book about love, patience, and self-belief, leaving a warm and bright feeling behind.