Gangsta Granny: A Comparative Analysis Of Walliams' Works

Rajiv Sharma

6 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.3

Share

Recurring Themes in Walliams' Works (Including Gangsta Granny)

David Walliams' novels, while diverse in plot, share several recurring themes that resonate deeply with young readers. These common threads contribute to the enduring appeal of his books and solidify his position as a master storyteller. Key themes frequently explored in Walliams' work, including Gangsta Granny, are:

• Family Relationships: Often, Walliams portrays dysfunctional families, highlighting the complexities and challenges of family life. In Gangsta Granny, Ben's relationship with his grandmother is initially strained by a lack of understanding, yet blossoms into a deep bond as they embark on their daring adventure. Similarly, in The Boy in the Dress, Raj grapples with his family's expectations and his own identity. This theme of familial reconciliation and the discovery of unexpected family bonds is a constant in his writing.

• Grandparents Playing Significant Roles: Walliams frequently features grandparents as significant characters, often portraying them as unconventional and supportive figures. Gangsta Granny perfectly embodies this, with the seemingly ordinary granny revealing a surprising secret life as a jewel thief. This unexpected twist provides a fascinating lens through which to explore the often hidden depths of familial relationships. This is also apparent in Grandpa's Great Escape, where a grandpa embarks on a daring adventure.

• Underdogs Overcoming Adversity: His protagonists are often underdogs facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, which they overcome through courage, wit, and the help of their friends and family. Ben, in Gangsta Granny, faces the challenge of connecting with his seemingly boring grandmother and then helping her achieve her life-long dream, illustrating this motif perfectly. The same can be said for characters in books like Ratburger, where the protagonist must overcome bullying and prejudice.

• Humor and Silliness Contrasted with Serious Undertones: Walliams masterfully balances humor and silliness with underlying serious themes, creating narratives that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The absurdity of the heist in Gangsta Granny is juxtaposed with the genuine affection between Ben and his grandmother, creating emotional resonance alongside the laughter. This balance is central to his style.

• Importance of Friendship and Loyalty: The importance of friendship and loyalty is consistently emphasized, demonstrating the power of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity. In Gangsta Granny, Ben and his grandmother's bond strengthens as they work together, showing the value of intergenerational friendship.

Walliams' Narrative Style and its Application in Gangsta Granny

David Walliams' distinctive writing style is a key element in his success. His narratives are characterized by:

• Humorous and Engaging Narrative Voice: His stories are told with a playful, witty voice that directly addresses the reader, creating a sense of intimacy and engagement. This conversational tone is instantly recognizable and greatly contributes to the books' overall charm.

• Use of Exaggeration and Absurdity: Walliams embraces exaggeration and absurdity to create humorous and fantastical situations. The very premise of Gangsta Granny – a grandmother's secret life as a jewel thief – is inherently absurd yet captivating. This element is evident across his books.

• Fast-Paced Plots with Unexpected Twists: His plots are fast-paced and full of surprises, keeping readers hooked until the very end. The escalating stakes and unexpected turns in Gangsta Granny are a testament to this narrative skill.

• Relatable Characters with Flaws and Strengths: Walliams creates relatable characters who are flawed but ultimately endearing. Ben's initial reluctance to engage with his grandmother makes him a believable and sympathetic protagonist. This approach to character development is prevalent across his works.

The narrative style in Gangsta Granny is strikingly similar to that found in Mr. Stink, where an unexpected friendship between a young girl and a homeless man unfolds against a backdrop of quirky situations and surprising revelations. Both books utilise a highly engaging narrative voice and a fast-paced plot with hilarious twists, highlighting Walliams' consistent storytelling style.

Character Development: Comparing Protagonists Across Walliams' Novels

The protagonists in Walliams' novels, while diverse, share common traits. Ben, in Gangsta Granny, is a young boy initially bored by his grandmother's apparent ordinariness. His transformation throughout the story showcases a compelling character arc. Let's compare him to Raj from The Boy in the Dress:

• Age and Personality: Both Ben and Raj are pre-teen boys navigating challenges related to family, identity, and self-discovery. Ben is initially somewhat resistant to engaging with his family, while Raj is more outwardly expressive of his struggles.

• Relationships with Family and Friends: Ben's relationship with his grandmother undergoes a profound shift, from initial disinterest to deep affection and loyalty. Raj's relationship with his family is more complex, involving conflict and eventual acceptance.

• Motivations and Goals: Ben's motivation stems from a desire for excitement and connection with his grandmother, leading him to actively participate in her plans. Raj's motivations are tied to self-expression and acceptance.

• Character Arcs and Growth: Both characters undergo significant personal growth. Ben learns to appreciate his grandmother's hidden strengths and develops a strong bond with her. Raj learns to embrace his true self despite societal expectations.

The Impact and Legacy of Gangsta Granny within Walliams' Body of Work

Gangsta Granny has been a phenomenal success, both critically and commercially. Its adaptation to the stage and screen further cemented its place in popular culture. Its contribution to Walliams' overall literary output is significant, showcasing his ability to blend humor, adventure, and heartwarming themes into a compelling narrative. The book’s influence can be seen in his subsequent works, particularly in the recurring themes of unlikely friendships and unconventional family dynamics. The continued popularity of the stage play and film adaptations demonstrate its lasting appeal and influence on audiences.

Conclusion: A Final Look at Gangsta Granny and the World of David Walliams

This comparative analysis highlights the recurring themes, narrative techniques, and character archetypes that define David Walliams' literary style, using Gangsta Granny as a lens through which to examine his broader body of work. Gangsta Granny's success is not an anomaly; it exemplifies the consistent quality and appeal of Walliams' storytelling, showcasing his understanding of what resonates with young readers. The book's enduring popularity underscores its significance within his wider literary contributions. Dive deeper into the captivating world of David Walliams by exploring his other masterpieces, like The World's Worst Children, and discover the recurring themes and stylistic choices that make his books so engaging. Which other Walliams book resonates most with you, and why?