A subtle power dynamic emerges, with the hitchhiker appearing superior or more knowing than the driver.
Files of the story or collections containing it can be found online through various databases and digital libraries. Some are user-uploaded on sites like Scribd , where they are embedded for reading. Others are part of larger collections shared on academic file-sharing sites.
The story is rich with timeless themes:
As the policeman rode away, I felt miserable. I had only had the car a few weeks, and already I was in trouble. But the hitchhiker wasn't worried at all.
After the shaken narrator resumes driving at a legal speed, the hitchhiker reveals his true profession. He is a "fingersmith"—a pickpocket of unmatched skill. To prove his talent, he begins pulling items from his pockets that belong to the narrator: a watch, a wallet, driver's license, and keys. Roald Dahl The Hitchhiker Pdf
"The Hitchhiker" is a masterclass in short fiction pacing. It starts as a mundane travel diary, shifts into a tense encounter with the law, and finishes as a lighthearted caper. Dahl’s sharp dialogue and brilliant twist endings ensure that this 1970s tale remains just as gripping and funny for modern readers today. If you want to explore more of Roald Dahl's adult fiction,
Their joyride is abruptly cut short when a ruthless, aggressive motorcycle cop pulls them over. The policeman harshly ticks them off, takes down their names and addresses, and promises they will face heavy fines and potential jail time.
"Exactly," said the hitchhiker, grinning. "No book, no case. They can't prove anything now."
The story is narrated in the first person by a wealthy writer who has just purchased a brand-new, high-performance BMW. The Pickup A subtle power dynamic emerges, with the hitchhiker
The story’s enigmatic and moral centre. Described as “ratty-faced,” his appearance suggests criminality, but Dahl subverts this. Despite his profession, he has a code of ethics, stealing only from the wealthy at the races and never from those who lose or are poor. He is proud of his skill and a master of his unique trade, embodying a form of anti-authoritarian heroism.
While Roald Dahl is globally celebrated for whimsical children's books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , his literary portfolio includes a rich collection of dark, witty, and suspenseful short stories written for adults. Among these gems is a masterfully crafted tale of deception, human nature, and unexpected camaraderie.
Dahl romanticizes the pickpocket's skill. The hitchhiker views his work not as a vulgar crime, but as a fine art requiring decades of practice, supreme dexterity, and psychological manipulation. Looking for a "The Hitchhiker" PDF? How to Read Safely
If you're interested in reading more of Roald Dahl's works, I recommend checking out his other short stories, such as "Lamb to the Slaughter" or "James and the Giant Peach". Enjoy! Others are part of larger collections shared on
Dahl masterfully plants clues. The hitchhiker’s rat-like appearance, the narrator’s missing possessions, and his ability to roll a perfect cigarette with impossibly fast hands all hint at his unusual profession.
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