James and the Giant Peach

by

Roald Dahl

James and the Giant Peach: Chapter 36 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
James tells all of his friends on the peach goodbye. The peach is headed for all the tallest buildings, so James watches the skyscrapers get too close too fast. The tallest skyscraper has a huge needle sticking up into the sky. The peach hits the needle directly and finally stops, skewered on the top of the Empire State Building.
Indeed, the peach and everyone on it is saved—and this time, by a skyscraper, which symbolizes the adult world. This consequently represents James’s growing readiness to be a part of this new adult world. He has the skills he needs, thanks to the lessons he learned on board the peach, to integrate and succeed.
Themes
Assumptions vs. Curiosity Theme Icon
Nature and Growing Up Theme Icon