3. “Mind you, there are thousands
of clever men who would give anything for the chance to come in
and take over from me, but I don't want that sort
of person. I don't want a grown-up person at all. A grown-up won't
listen to me; he won't learn. He will try to do things his own way
and not mine. So I have to have a child.”
In the last chapter of the book, Mr.
Wonka explains to Charlie his motivation for sending out the golden
tickets. He knows there is any number of adults who would be willing
to take over the helm of his factory. But if Mr. Wonka chooses an
adult successor, he will worry that they will change everything
about his beloved operation. He needs someone who will listen to
everything he says and who will do everything according to his precise
wishes. Only a dutiful and respectful child will fit the bill for
Mr. Wonka.
