Here's a breakdown of how Dahl portrays him:
* Unreachable and Uninterested: The Headmaster is portrayed as someone who is inaccessible to the students, only appearing at formal events and remaining aloof from their daily lives. Dahl emphasizes his lack of interest in the students' individual struggles and emotions, further highlighting his indifference.
* Formal and Impersonal: The Headmaster is depicted as a strict and formal figure, embodying the rigidity of the school system. He adheres to tradition and expects unwavering obedience, with little room for individuality or personal expression.
* Out of Touch with Reality: Dahl suggests that the Headmaster is disconnected from the realities of the students' lives, unable to understand their anxieties or the challenges they face. His pronouncements are seen as empty platitudes, irrelevant to the students' actual experiences.
* Symbol of Authority: The Headmaster represents the oppressive power structure of the boarding school. He is the embodiment of the school's rules and regulations, which often seem arbitrary and unfair to the students. His authority is unquestioned, and his judgment is absolute.
Dahl's portrayal of the Headmaster is not necessarily intended to be a realistic depiction of all headmasters. Instead, it serves to highlight the negative aspects of the boarding school system that Dahl experienced firsthand. By presenting the Headmaster as a remote and uncaring figure, Dahl emphasizes the loneliness, isolation, and emotional neglect that many students faced in these institutions.
The Headmaster, therefore, becomes a symbol of the dehumanizing aspects of the school system, acting as a foil to the young Roald Dahl's yearning for warmth, understanding, and genuine connection.