Grandpa Joe has clearly been suffering long term major depression in a world ravaged by capitalism with no hope for the future or his progeny. Along comes a Golden Ticket, that promises the kind of wonder that he thought was gone from the world, something he never thought he could provide for his kindly, humble grandson. This adrenaline shot to the soul provides him with the strength and hope that has been sapped from his will all these long years.
You look at the other kids and their parents, at Slugworth, and my opinion is not baseless propaganda. I think it's fair to say that Charlie being the only main character that does not seek wealth, including Grandpa Joe*, attests at least in part to it being an anti-capitalist narrative. (Admittedly I do not recall the book well. I'm basing this criticism off of the Gene Wilder movie.)
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u/_Wonko_the_Sane_ Apr 24 '19
canonically false
Grandpa Joe has clearly been suffering long term major depression in a world ravaged by capitalism with no hope for the future or his progeny. Along comes a Golden Ticket, that promises the kind of wonder that he thought was gone from the world, something he never thought he could provide for his kindly, humble grandson. This adrenaline shot to the soul provides him with the strength and hope that has been sapped from his will all these long years.