Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, animal cruelty, and animal death.

“I cannot begin to tell you what happened after that, but if any of you are wondering whether Mrs. Winter is quite all right again now, the answer is No. And she never will be.”

This quote directly addresses the reader, creating a conversational feel and bringing the audience into the story. The emphasis on the word “No” indicates the severity of what the Magic Finger can do, and the follow-up “and she never will be” brings this point home. This event foreshadows the major event of the story, which is the transformation of the Gregg family by the protagonist’s Magic Finger.

“And suddenly a sort of flash comes out of me, a quick flash, like something electric. It jumps out and touches the person who has made me cross.”

Simile is used to compare the flash to an electric charge, communicating the utter power of the magic finger. By describing the power as jumping out and touching people, the power appears to have a will of its own. The magic finger is described here as being triggered by anger and other strong emotions, foreshadowing what is to follow and developing the theme of The Power of Emotion.

“BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! went the guns.”

The repetition of “BANG!” mimics the sound of gunshots, creating a rhythmic and onomatopoeic effect that makes the moment more real. This auditory