This research conducts an ecological analysis of the addictions fostered by consumer
society, the ethical dilemmas, and the capitalist forces shaping consumer society
in Roald Dahl’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The analysis employs
literature review and data analysis methods. The findings reveal that Willy Wonka, a
pivotal character, embodies capitalist capital, instigates societal addictions through his
products, and fails to address these addictions. Wonka induces addictions in children
and adults with foodstuffs and other products manufactured by himself and other
companies within the capitalist system. The prevalent addictions in the novel include
food addiction, shopping addiction, and television addiction. Apart from Charlie
Bucket, the protagonist, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike
Teavee exhibit addictions. The novel also addresses colonialism, which facilitates
the spread of global capitalism. One of the social ecology elements criticized in the
novel is the portrayal of the Oompa-Loompa tribe, who work day and night in the
Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka tests his inventions on these workers he brought
from India and assigns them dangerous tasks. Throughout the novel, these people
are physically and mentally presented as the “other.” Additionally, the characters in
the novel are judged for their physical characteristics, addictions, and choices. These
results show that Dahl’s children’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” far
from criticizing the values of consumer society, reproduces the social dependencies
and weaknesses created by this society. The author designed the character of Willy
Wonka as a capitalist and rewarded Charlie, who consistently conformed to him and
the social consensus. The ideal character created in Charlie’s case is presented as one
who does not criticize consumer society but only impulsively submits to it.