Just William · Theme
Resourcefulness and Ingenuity
How Just William develops Resourcefulness and Ingenuity.
William demonstrates clever problem-solving, from calculating sweet purchases to orchestrating elaborate schemes (e.g., faking illness, organizing a party), showing a pragmatic intelligence often underestimated by adults.
Where it surfaces
- William Goes to the Pictures
William cleverly uses his shilling to maximize sweets and pictures, and fabricates a story to manipulate Mr. Morgan.
- William the Intruder
William's determination to master the bicycle, despite repeated falls, and his creative storytelling and knot-tying demonstrate his resourceful, if mischievous, nature.
- III: William Below Stairs
William cleverly adapts to his mistaken identity as the Boots, using quick thinking to gain shelter and food.
- The Show
The Outlaws create a show from household items, a painted rat, a blue dog, and a makeshift giant, demonstrating creative problem-solving.
- A Question of Grammar
William uses a grammar rule to trick his father into permission.
- VIII: The Outlaws
William improvises a ransom plan and later attempts to clean the baby with licorice water, showing creative problem-solving.
- William's New Year's Day
William cleverly uses his politeness resolution to gain sweets and manages the shop in Mr. Moss's absence.
- The Best Laid Plans
William cleverly exploits Mr. French's desperation to gain white rats and money.
- I
William cleverly exploits Mr. French's romantic interest to secure white rats.
- II
William cleverly extorts money from Mr. French and attempts to train rats in secret.
- Jumble
William cleverly manipulates situations to keep Jumble, including pretending to take him to the police station and using tricks to win Robert's favor.