Why It Was The Gobstopper


I don't know if this has been brought up elsewhere, but it occurs to me that it may be significant that Charlie's redemption is brought about by an "Everlasting Gobstopper" instead of any of the other whimsical treats in Wonka's factory. I hate when people read too much into movies or books and add what isn't there, but go with me on this:

Wonka's chocolate river was made of, well, chocolate. Which melts easily and, as Wonka informed us, couldn't be touched by human hands or it would be ruined (which Augustus promptly ruined :/ )

Mike TV's Wonkavision was still experimental and ended up shrinking him.

Violet's gum was also still experimental, would only last 3 courses before running out, and of course turned her into a giant blueberry.

Veruca Salt's golden eggs would have been delicate as any egg is and prone to breaking without being coddled and handled very delicately (like Veruca!)

BUT.........Charlie's Everlasting Gobstopper is the perfect candy. It doesn't run out, it's not fragile, its not experimental, it's simply the perfect candy that will last forever. That's why its this piece of candy instead of any of the other candies Charlie could have potentially taken and then returned that brings about Charlie's victory.
The other candies are temporary, ephemeral, fragile, not made to last (even "cheap" in a way). But Charlie's Gobstopper is the real deal, just like he is. That's why its the gobstopper that proves to Wonka that Charlie is worthy, because it's actually something of substance and value like Charlie's morality, instead of the other kids' cheap candies/character flaws.

So idk, could be an overly sappy reading-into of the plot, but seemed to make sense to me. Thanks for reading!

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Charlie's test was whether or not he could break free from Grandpa Joes ( an adult) influence.
He did and proved it by handing the EG back instead of trying to flog it to the imaginary Slugworth.

It wasnt me, it was the other three. Hang them!

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Yeah. He did not sell out to Slugworth.

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I like it!

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[deleted]

Good theory, but it assumes the qualities Wonka ascribes to the Gobstopper are true, which I don't think is a given.

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[deleted]

Also, Wonka says "You can suck 'em and suck 'em and suck 'em and they never get any smaller. Never. At least I don't think they do...a few more tests" as if he's saying Charlie is the perfect kid, or at leasts he thinks so, but he has to go through a few more tests to prove himself worthy and by the end of the factory tour he does.

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