book report matilda

Chapters 1-5

Matilda's early years are marked by neglect and indifference from her parents, who are more focused on their own selfish pursuits. Despite this, Matilda demonstrates exceptional intelligence and a love for reading from a very young age.

Chapters 6-10

Matilda starts attending Crunchem Hall Primary School, where she encounters the terrifying Miss Trunchbull, known for her cruel and unjust treatment of the students. Matilda befriends her kind and compassionate teacher, Miss Honey, who recognizes her advanced intellect and encourages her thirst for knowledge.

Chapters 11-15

As Matilda's powers of telekinesis become more pronounced, she uses them to bring justice to those who have wronged her and her friends. With Miss Honey's support, Matilda devises a plan to outsmart Miss Trunchbull and stand up against injustice.

Chapters 16-20

In a climactic showdown, Matilda faces off against Miss Trunchbull, using her wit and newfound confidence to stand up to the tyrannical headmistress. With Miss Honey's guidance, Matilda discovers her own strength and the power of standing up for what is right.

• Matilda's early years marked by neglect and indifference from her parents.
• Matilda's encounters with Miss Trunchbull's cruel treatment at Crunchem Hall Primary School.
• Matilda's friendship with Miss Honey and the discovery of her telekinetic powers.
• Matilda's acts of justice using her telekinesis to outsmart Miss Trunchbull.
• The final showdown between Matilda and Miss Trunchbull, leading to a triumphant victory for Matilda and Miss Honey.
• Courage and Standing Up for Oneself : Matilda's journey highlights the importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity, as she stands up against injustice and mistreatment.
• The Power of Knowledge and Education : The novel emphasizes the transformative power of knowledge and the pursuit of education, showcasing Matilda's love for reading and learning.
• Kindness and Compassion : Through the character of Miss Honey, the story celebrates the impact of kindness and compassion in nurturing young minds and overcoming challenges.

"Matilda" offers valuable insights into the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of empathy and understanding, and the transformative power of knowledge and courage, resonating with readers of all ages.

Readers of "Matilda" are treated to a heartwarming and empowering story that celebrates the triumph of a young girl's intellect, courage, and compassion. The novel inspires readers to stand up for what is right, embrace the power of education, and find strength in the face of adversity.

"Matilda" by Roald Dahl remains a timeless classic that continues to enchant and inspire readers with its themes of courage, kindness, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. Through the remarkable journey of Matilda Wormwood, the novel imparts valuable lessons about resilience, intellect, and the transformative power of standing up for oneself. Dahl's storytelling prowess and the enduring appeal of "Matilda" make it a beloved literary treasure that resonates with audiences across generations.

Matilda FAQ

What is the book 'matilda' about.

The book 'Matilda' by Roald Dahl is about a young girl named Matilda who is incredibly intelligent and loves to read. She discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up against the unfair treatment she receives from her family and the tyrannical headmistress of her school.

What age group is 'Matilda' suitable for?

'Matilda' is suitable for children aged 8-12, but it can also be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Is 'Matilda' a fantasy book?

Yes, 'Matilda' can be classified as a fantasy book due to the presence of magical elements, such as Matilda's telekinetic powers.

What are some themes explored in 'Matilda'?

Some of the themes explored in 'Matilda' include the power of intelligence, the importance of standing up to injustice, and the value of kindness and empathy.

Is 'Matilda' a series or a standalone book?

'Matilda' is a standalone book and is not part of a series.

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Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Roald Dahl's Matilda . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Matilda: Introduction

Matilda: plot summary, matilda: detailed summary & analysis, matilda: themes, matilda: quotes, matilda: characters, matilda: symbols, matilda: theme wheel, brief biography of roald dahl.

Historical Context of Matilda

Other books related to matilda.

• Full Title: Matilda
• When Written: 1987
• Where Written: England
• When Published: 1988
• Literary Period: Postmodernism
• Genre: Children’s Novel; Fantasy
• Setting: An English village
• Climax: Matilda uses her secret power to make the Trunchbull believe that Miss Honey’s father’s ghost wants Mrs. Trunchbull to return the family home and fortune to Miss Honey.
• Antagonist: Mrs. Trunchbull and Matilda’s Parents
• Point of View: Third Person

Extra Credit for Matilda

Great Welshmen. Dahl and poet Dylan Thomas (whose poem “In Country Sleep” appears in Matilda ) are sometimes considered the best-known Welsh writers. Though the men never met, they were born only 40 miles and two years apart. Thomas died at age 39 (having already achieved fame and recognition for his poetry and radio work) not long after Dahl’s career took off, and Dahl developed a great love for Thomas’s poetry—one of Thomas’s poems was read at Dahl’s funeral.

Fixed It! Dahl wrote Matilda twice—and the first time, he wrote Matilda as the villain. He’s quoted in interviews as saying that he knew after finishing the first draft that he’d gotten Matilda wrong. The rewrite paid off: Matilda won the Federation of Children’s Book Group Award in 1988.

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Friday 19 March 2010

Review: matilda.

Themes and Analysis

By roald dahl.

"Matilda" by Roald Dahl is jam-packed with intriguing themes which range from exploring the power of books to righteousness and magic.

Main Themes

• The Power of Books: Matilda's love for reading and knowledge is contrasted with her family's ignorance and superficiality.
• Righteousness: Matilda's innate sense of justice leads her to stand up against wrongdoing.
• Magic: Matilda's supernatural ability to move objects with her mind symbolizes the power of a challenged intellect.
• Simple, Direct, and Whimsical : Dahl's language is accessible, engaging, and playful, making it perfect for young readers.
• Light and Dark Tone : A blend of humor and seriousness balances the whimsical with themes of injustice and resilience.
• Creative and Impactful Language : Vivid similes, metaphors, and personification enrich the narrative and bring characters to life.
• Books : Symbolize knowledge, empowerment, and escape for Matilda.
• The Chalkboard : Represents justice and Matilda’s empowerment against tyranny.
• Miss Trunchbull's House : Symbolizes lost innocence and stolen heritage.

The start of the novel introduces Matilda's extraordinary intelligence, neglectful parents, and her love for reading, establishing her character and the main conflict.

Matilda starts school, meets Miss Honey, and confronts Miss Trunchbull, showcasing her resilience and emerging telekinetic powers.

In the end, Matilda uses her powers to help Miss Honey reclaim her inheritance, and she finds a loving home, resolving her struggles.

Continue down for complete analysis to Matilda

Article written by Neesha Thunga K

B.A. in English Literature, and M.A. in English Language and Literature.

In “Matilda,” Roald Dahl weaves a rich tapestry of themes, writing styles, and symbols to create a compelling narrative. The themes of the power of books, righteousness, and magic are central to Matilda’s journey, reflecting her struggle against neglect and cruelty. Dahl’s writing style combines simplicity with whimsical charm, making the story accessible and engaging. Symbols such as books, the chalkboard, and Miss Trunchbull’s house enhance the narrative, adding depth to Matilda’s character and the story’s underlying messages.

In this section, we will be exploring some significant themes within Roald Dahl’s “Matilda ,” including the power of books, righteousness, magic, education, and resilience.

The Power of Books

Right from the beginning , we are told that Matilda loves reading. When she finishes reading the one book in her house, she asks for more books from her father. However, Matilda’s parents do not think much of reading. They also do not understand the importance of education or the power of knowledge. They prefer to watch television instead. As such, the contract between those who watch television and those who read books is stark in the book. Matilda, a voracious reader, is smart, witty, and highly resourceful. However, the rest of her family is vain and superficial. Not only this but her parents are also shown as crooks who deal with criminals and commit fraud.

Righteousness

Matilda seems to know what is right and what is wrong without her parents teaching her. When she finds out about her father’s (Mr. Wormwood) car business, she understands that he is tricking people. She calls him out on this. However, when she is not listened to, she pulls out her own brand of justice in the form of pranks. This theme continues even when she learns about the plight of Miss Honey . Deeply disturbed by the injustice of the situation with Miss Honey and her aunt, Miss Trunchbull, Matilda decides to take matters into her own hands. She uses a deep-rooted sense of righteousness, resilience, and creativity to help her teacher, Miss Honey, win back her inheritance.

There is a touch of the supernatural in “ Matilda .” The protagonist of the story can move objects with her mind. Miss Honey speculates that this phenomenon occurs since Matilda’s brain is not challenged enough to use up all of the brain juices. As a result, she can perform what is generally known as telekinesis. In the novel, these acts are termed “miracles.” These miracles disappear when Matilda’s mind is challenged with schoolwork in an advanced class. In a way, the miracles performed by Matilda teach children to use their minds in productive ways. 

Education and Intelligence

In “ Matilda ,” education is portrayed as a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation. Matilda’s intelligence and love for learning set her apart from her family and peers, allowing her to achieve extraordinary things. Miss Honey, Matilda’s kind and supportive teacher, represents the positive impact of nurturing intelligence and education. The contrast between Matilda’s intellectual curiosity and her parents’ disdain for education underscores the novel’s message about the importance of valuing and fostering knowledge.

Resilience and Perseverance

Matilda exemplifies resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the neglect and mistreatment from her family and the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, she remains determined to better her situation. Matilda’s resilience is further highlighted by her clever pranks and eventual triumphs over the injustices she faces. Her perseverance in helping Miss Honey regain her rightful inheritance showcases her unwavering commitment to justice and her ability to overcome challenges with creativity and strength.

Analysis of Key Moments

• Matilda’s Early Genius : Matilda speaks like an adult at age five and teaches herself to read. This is key because it establishes her exceptional intelligence and sets her apart from her neglectful family, highlighting her potential.
• Discovering the Library : Matilda reads classic novels at the local library with the help of a kind librarian. This moment marks the beginning of Matilda’s love for books and self-education, providing her with an escape and a means to develop her intellect.
• Calling Out Her Father : Matilda understands her father is a dishonest car salesman and confronts him about his thieving ways. This showcases Matilda’s moral integrity and bravery, despite her young age and the dismissive, abusive nature of her parents.
• Pranks on Her Father : Her father’s anger leads Matilda to retaliate by playing pranks on him. These actions demonstrate her resourcefulness and cleverness in dealing with unfair treatment, further emphasizing her determination to fight injustice in her own way.
• Meeting Miss Honey : At school, Matilda meets a caring and loving teacher, Miss Honey, who tries to advance her to a higher class. This moment introduces a positive adult influence in Matilda’s life, offering her the support and recognition she lacks at home.
• Conflict with Miss Trunchbull : The headmistress, Miss Trunchbull , denies Matilda’s advancement and is abusive towards students. This sets up a major antagonist in the story, highlighting the oppressive environment Matilda must navigate and overcome.
• Lavender’s Prank : Matilda’s friend, Lavender, pranks Miss Trunchbull by putting a newt in her water. This moment is pivotal as it leads to Matilda’s first public display of her telekinetic powers, showcasing her growing frustration with injustice.
• Telekinetic Display : Angered by the false accusation, Matilda uses her mind to tip the glass of water and the newt onto Miss Trunchbull. This key moment reveals Matilda’s supernatural ability, adding a magical element to her fight against oppression.
• Confiding in Miss Honey : Matilda confides in Miss Honey about her powers, and Miss Honey reveals her own troubles with Miss Trunchbull. Miss Honey tells Matilda that she is poor because Miss Trunchbull, her aunt, has taken away her inheritance. This disclosure provides context for Miss Honey’s plight and motivates Matilda to take action against Miss Trunchbull. This deepens their bond and sets the stage for Matilda to use her powers for a greater cause.
• Writing the Message : Matilda uses her telekinesis to write a threatening message to Miss Trunchbull on the blackboard. This is a climactic moment where Matilda actively confronts the antagonist, leading to Miss Trunchbull’s departure and Miss Honey reclaiming her inheritance.
• Advancement and Loss of Powers : Matilda is moved to an advanced class and loses her powers. This moment symbolizes her intellectual fulfillment, showing that her supernatural abilities were a manifestation of her underutilized brainpower.
• Parents’ Departure : Matilda’s parents suddenly decide to flee to Spain due to her father’s criminal activities. This critical moment allows Matilda to choose her future, asking to stay with Miss Honey, which results in her gaining a loving and supportive guardian, and completing her journey from neglect to a nurturing environment.

Style, Tone, and Figurative Language

In “ Matilda ,” Roald Dahl employs a distinct writing style that enhances the storytelling and appeals to readers of all ages. Below are the top three most important styles used in the book.

Simple, Direct, and Whimsical

Roald Dahl’s writing style in “ Matilda” is characterized by its simplicity, directness, and whimsicality, making it accessible and engaging for young readers. Dahl employs a conversational tone, often breaking the fourth wall to address the reader directly, which creates a sense of intimacy and involvement. His use of vivid descriptions and imaginative scenarios enhances the fantastical elements of the story, such as Matilda’s telekinetic powers.

The language is playful, with a mix of humor and absurdity, particularly in the exaggerated depictions of antagonistic characters like Miss Trunchbull and Matilda’s parents. Dahl’s narrative is brisk and tightly paced , ensuring that the plot moves swiftly and maintains the reader’s interest. The use of short chapters and frequent dialogue also contributes to the book’s readability, making it an ideal choice for young audiences transitioning to chapter books. Consider the below quote:

Nearly every weekday afternoon Matilda was left alone in the house. Her brother (five years older than her) went to school. Her father went to work and her mother went out playing bingo in a town eight miles away. Mrs. Wormwood was hooked on bingo and played it five afternoons a week. The Reader of Books, “Matilda”

Light and Dark Tone

The tone of “ Matilda ” is a blend of lightheartedness and seriousness, balancing the whimsical elements of the story with underlying themes of injustice and resilience. Dahl employs a humorous and often sarcastic tone, particularly in his portrayal of the villainous characters, whose absurdly evil behavior is depicted in an almost cartoonish manner. This humor serves to mitigate the darker aspects of the story, such as the neglect and abuse Matilda suffers.

Despite the humorous undertones, there is also a tone of earnestness and sincerity, especially in the moments highlighting Matilda’s intelligence, kindness, and moral integrity. The contrast between the light and dark elements in the tone underscores the story’s themes and adds depth to the narrative, making it appealing to both children and adults.

Creative and Impactful Language

Dahl’s use of figurative language in “ Matilda” is both creative and impactful, enhancing the story’s vivid imagery and emotional resonance. Similes and metaphors are frequently used to create striking comparisons and bring characters and scenes to life. For example, Miss Trunchbull is described in hyperbolic terms, likened to a monstrous figure, which exaggerates her malevolence and adds a fantastical element to her character. Personification is also employed, particularly in describing inanimate objects or settings, giving them a life of their own and contributing to the whimsical atmosphere.

Dahl’s use of onomatopoeia and playful language further engages the reader’s senses, making the narrative more dynamic and engaging. These figurative language techniques not only enrich the storytelling but also aid in conveying the emotions and experiences of the characters, making the fantastical elements of the story feel more tangible and real.

Key Symbols

In this section, we will be exploring some important symbols and motifs within Roald Dahl’s story of “ Matilda ,” including books, the chalkboard, Miss Trunchbull’s house, Matilda’s powers, the chocolate cake, and the newt.

Books symbolize knowledge, empowerment, and escape in “ Matilda .” For Matilda, reading is a means to expand her intellect and escape from her neglectful and abusive home environment. The books she borrows from the library open up new worlds for her, providing solace and inspiration. They represent her thirst for knowledge and her defiance against her parents’ ignorance and disdain for education. Moreover, books symbolize the transformative power of education, as they enable Matilda to develop her extraordinary abilities and eventually find a way out of her oppressive circumstances. The contrast between Matilda’s love for books and her parents’ preference for television highlights the divide between enlightenment and ignorance.

The Chalkboard

The chalkboard in Miss Trunchbull’s office is a powerful symbol of justice and empowerment. When Matilda uses her telekinetic powers to write a threatening message to Miss Trunchbull on the chalkboard, it represents her reclaiming power and fighting against the injustice faced by Miss Honey. The chalkboard, typically a tool for teaching and authority, becomes a medium through which Matilda exacts her righteous vengeance. This act not only scares Miss Trunchbull into leaving but also symbolizes Matilda’s ability to confront and overcome tyranny with her intellect and newfound abilities.

Miss Trunchbull’s House

Miss Trunchbull’s house, formerly Miss Honey’s family home, symbolizes lost innocence and stolen heritage. It stands as a physical representation of Miss Trunchbull’s oppressive control over Miss Honey’s life and the injustices she has endured. When Matilda helps Miss Honey reclaim her house, it symbolizes the restoration of justice and the triumph of good over evil. The house’s return to Miss Honey marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life, where she can finally live free from her aunt’s tyranny and regain her rightful inheritance.

Matilda’s Powers

Matilda’s telekinetic powers symbolize her untapped potential and the extraordinary capabilities that lie within every child. These powers emerge as a response to the extreme neglect and abuse she faces, representing her inner strength and resilience. They also symbolize the idea that intelligence and creativity can be powerful tools for overcoming adversity. As Matilda gains control over her powers, it reflects her growing confidence and ability to effect change in her world. Ultimately, when her powers fade after she is placed in an advanced class, it signifies that her intellectual needs are finally being met, and she no longer needs to rely on supernatural means to cope with her environment.

The Chocolate Cake 

When Bruce Bogtrotter is caught stealing from the kitchen, he is made to eat an entire chocolate cake by Principal Trunchbull. While this was supposed to be an act of public embarrassment for Bruce, it turns into a source of humiliation for Miss Trunchbull herself. This is because Bruce can finish off the entire cake without becoming nauseated as Headmistress Miss Trunchbull had hoped. Thus, the chocolate cake becomes a symbol of hope in the face of adversity for the students. It tells them that they are capable of standing up to the terror of Miss Trunchbull’s reign.

The Newt 

Lavender pranks Miss Trunchbull by putting a newt into her glass of water. The newt in the water is extremely important as it exposes Miss Trunchbull in two ways. Firstly, it demonstrates her lack of knowledge, as she is unable to identify a newt. Secondly, it also shows that Miss Trunchbull is not as frightening as she appears to be. She is afraid of a tiny reptile such as a newt – a reptile that Lavender had no trouble picking up with her bare hands. Not only this, but it is with the incidence of the newt that Matilda’s powers are finally awakened. Matilda then uses her powers to correct injustices. 

Personal Perspective

Reading “ Matilda ” as an adult, I find Roald Dahl’s novel to be a timeless masterpiece that resonates with readers of all ages. The story’s charm lies in its ability to blend whimsical fantasy with profound themes of intelligence, justice, and resilience. Matilda herself is an inspiring protagonist, embodying the potential that lies within every child, regardless of their circumstances. Her love for books and self-education speaks to the transformative power of knowledge, a theme that deeply resonates with me.

What I appreciate most about Dahl’s writing is his unapologetic critique of the adults in Matilda’s life, particularly her neglectful parents and the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull. Through these characters, Dahl highlights the absurdity and cruelty that can exist in the adult world, while also showcasing the purity and righteousness of a child’s perspective. The exaggerated villainy of Miss Trunchbull is both horrifying and darkly humorous, serving as a perfect foil to Matilda’s ingenuity and kindness.

The use of magical realism, with Matilda’s telekinetic powers, adds a delightful layer to the narrative. These powers are a brilliant metaphor for the untapped potential within Matilda, and by extension, within all children. It is a reminder of the extraordinary capabilities that can emerge when one’s mind is challenged and nurtured.

The ending, where Matilda finds a loving home with Miss Honey, is heartwarming and satisfying. It reinforces the idea that intelligence and kindness will eventually triumph over cruelty and ignorance. However, it also raises thought-provoking questions about the societal systems that allow such injustices to persist in the first place. Overall, “ Matilda ” is a powerful, engaging, and thought-provoking read that continues to inspire and entertain. It is a book that champions the underdog and celebrates the triumph of intellect and goodness, making it a perennial favorite in children’s literature.

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About Neesha Thunga K

Neesha, born to a family of avid readers, has devoted several years to teaching English and writing for various organizations, making an impact on the literary community.

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Matilda Summary & Study Guide

Matilda Summary & Study Guide Description

Matilda is the whimsical story of a brilliant young girl whose senseless and ridiculous parents do not notice or care that their daughter is a genius. Things do not get much better for Matilda once she goes to school because the school Headmistress is even more cruel and absurd than her parents. Fortunately, Matilda's teacher proves herself to be an ally and when Matilda hears the charming Miss Honey's terrible life story, she uses her unique abilities to help in a way that only Matilda can.

Matilda's parents are the exact opposite of normal parents. Instead of thinking too highly of their child, they find her to be dull and inconvenient. In reality, Matilda is anything but these things, teaching herself to read by the age of three and possessing a mind like a calculator. When she discovers the library down the road, a whole new world opens up to her and the librarian begins to supply her with classic adult literature. She plays pranks on her father to punish him whenever he has an outburst of temper directed at her.

When Matilda is five-and-a-half years old, she finally meets an adult who is interested in and impressed by her extraordinary abilities. This person is her teacher, Miss Honey, a young and kind woman who loves her job and her students. Miss Honey is unable to convince the Headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, that Matilda is anything other than a problem child.

It soon becomes clear that Miss Trunchbull is a terrible person. She regularly punishes students by throwing them out of windows or across the playground, yelling at them while picking them up by their hair or ears. The students play tricks on her, enacting revenge in any way they can.

One day when Miss Trunchbull is visiting Matilda's class, she accuses Matilda of putting a newt in her water. Matilda is innocent and becomes very angry. As she glares at the cup of water, she realizes that she is able to knock it over simply with the power of her mind and her eyes. She is shocked and elated by this discovery and decides that the only adult she can tell is her teacher. Miss Honey has her repeat the performance, and then invites Matilda to her cottage for tea.

On arriving at the tiny and sparsely furnished cottage, Matilda realizes that her teacher is very poor. Miss Honey shares the heart-breaking story of her life. She was orphaned at a young age and raised by a cruel and manipulative aunt who treated her like a slave and continued to take nearly all of her wages when she started working. It is only recently that Miss Honey has been able to escape this terrible aunt, who is none other than the Headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

Matilda comes up with a plan to bring justice to Miss Trunchbull and to give Miss Honey back what belongs to her. She trains herself to lift objects with her mind and move them around in the air. She uses this skill in school to pick up a piece of chalk and write a note to Miss Trunchbull. The chalk appears to be moving all on its own and it tells Miss Trunchbull to give her niece back her house and her money. When she recovers from the shock, Miss Trunchbull leaves the school and is never seen again.

A few weeks later, Miss Honey is no longer poor and Matilda is no longer able to use her mind to move objects, probably because her great mind is finally being challenged. The novel ends with Matilda's father taking his family and fleeing the country and Matilda staying behind to live with her beloved teacher, Miss Honey.

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Matilda by Roald Dahl – Book Review

Matilda is the world’s most famous bookworm, no thanks to her ghastly parents.

Her father thinks she’s a little scab. Her mother spends all afternoon playing bingo.

And her headmistress, Miss Trunchbull?

She’s the worst of all.

She’s a big bully, who thinks all her pupils are rotten and locks them in the dreaded Chokey.

Despite these beastly grownups trying to push her down, Matilda is an extraordinary girl with a magical mind.

And she’s had enough.

So all the terrible adults had better watch out, because she’s going to teach them a lesson they’ll never forget!

As a child, I was a massive Roald Dahl fan and spent hours with my nose in his books. At school, we had to read his older children’s work on his life, Boy and Going Solo. However, over the years I have noticed that I never actually read a few of his work, namely Danny the Champion of the World, The Witches, and Matilda.

This wasn’t something I really thought about recently until I saw it on Sarah Cox’s book show as one of the guests ‘Bring Your Own Book’ and she made it sound so appealing that I ordered it right away and then read it in a day. Why, oh why, did I ever leave it so long.

The book is for any bookworms no matter your age, it is a book about a bookish child. A child who loves all the classics. It is also a book about nasty people and how through being very clever from reading this little five-and-a-half-year-old Matilda gets her revenge.

The book is truly amazing. It was a beautiful, fun, energetic read and I fell in love with the little girl and want to spare her from these brutes that call themselves adults, including her parents who dislike their own child.

The copy I bought was the 30th-anniversary copy, mainly as I love a hardback book and partly because I loved the cover and the colour – yes I am that easily pleased.

Within the book is artwork by Quentin Blake who illustrated I think all of Roald Dahl’s work. He has a way with his artwork that not only brings the story to life but makes you laugh and connect with the characters too.

Part of me is glad that I never this book as a child as I got to appreciate it as an adult and part of me thinks I missed out on such a fabulous book that would have made me constantly giggle and frown.

Overall, this is a book that still after all these years works in today’s society. It was great fun to read and this edition would make a wonderful gift too.

Book Reviewer – Stacey

Purchase online from:, amazon.co.uk – amazon.com – amazon.in – apple books – blackwells – bookshop.org – waterstones, about the author.

The son of Norwegian parents, Roald Dahl was born in Wales in 1916 and educated at Repton. He was a fighter pilot for the RAF during World War Two, and it was while writing about his experiences during this time that he started his career as an author.

His fabulously popular children’s books are read by children all over the world. Some of his better-known works include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox, Matilda, The Witches, and The BFG.

He died in November 1990.

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5 Responses

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I read this back when I was a kid. Great book.

Such a good book! I love the movie too.

I watched the movie, never read the book.

I love this curious child and this author – I love your thoughtful review

definitely one of my fav authors and books!!

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Common Sense Media Review

By Matt Berman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

Kid genius gets revenge on mean adults in fun fantasy.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Roald Dahl's Matilda is about a brilliant, magical little girl who's miserable at home with her nasty, clueless parents and oppressed at school by her mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. However, Matilda finds a loving, kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey, who values her pupil…

Why Age 8+?

Miss Trunchbull throws children out of windows, picks them up and swings them ar

There's a lot of name-calling directed from adults to kids, or between adults, i

Any Positive Content?

Intelligence can matter more than brutal power, even when power is wielded by a

Miss Trunchbull abuses Miss Honey and her students, and Matilda's relationship w

Children will learn some quick facts (titles, author names, and some plot summar

Violence & Scariness

Miss Trunchbull throws children out of windows, picks them up and swings them around by their hair or ears, and locks a child in a tiny room with spikes protruding from the walls. She also has pushed a young girl's head underwater as punishment. Though no one is really injured in this fantastical novel, some sensitive youngsters may be upset by the Trunchbull's cruelty.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

There's a lot of name-calling directed from adults to kids, or between adults, including "stupid," "glob of glue," "ignorant little twit," "gangster," "useless bunch of midgets," and more.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Intelligence can matter more than brutal power, even when power is wielded by a large adult over a small child.

Positive Role Models

Miss Trunchbull abuses Miss Honey and her students, and Matilda's relationship with her parents is one of mutual dislike. However, Miss Honey is a wonderfully warm and encouraging teacher. She's also very brave in her way, and she has the adult perspective to express how adult cruelty affects children. Matilda is a special young hero, avenging adult crimes with her marvelous brainpower. Of course, this is all in the context of Roald Dahl's fantastical imagination, so the physical abuse is cartoonish, and little children can't really do magic, yet there is much to admire in the genius of Matilda Wormwood.

Educational Value

Children will learn some quick facts (titles, author names, and some plot summaries) of great books that Matilda reads, including Burnett's The Secret Garden and Dickens' Great Expectations . They'll also learn what times tables are, and how to spell a few words, such as "what" and "difficulty."

Parents need to know that Roald Dahl 's Matilda is about a brilliant, magical little girl who's miserable at home with her nasty, clueless parents and oppressed at school by her mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. However, Matilda finds a loving, kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey, who values her pupil's amazing brain power. Miss Trunchbull inflicts mental cruelty and physical abuse on the students, including name-calling, tossing children out of windows, locking them in a closet lined with spiky nails, and spinning them around by their hair or ears. These exaggerated acts of malice are part of the fantasy, though, along with Matilda's magical mental tricks. This novel was made into a dark yet delightful 1996 movie , and it's available as an audiobook read beautifully by actress Kate Winslet .

Where to Read

Parent and kid reviews.

• Parents say (19)
• Kids say (77)

Based on 19 parent reviews

Kids are smarter than reviewers are giving them credit for...

Let's read matilda little girl has powers, what's the story.

MATILDA is the story of a little girl genius. By age 4, the title character has read all the books in the children's section of her local library, and moved on to Dickens, Austen, and Hemingway. She can also do advanced math in her head and has a sophisticated understanding of the world. Unfortunately her crooked car-dealer father and bingo-holic mother, TV addicts both, don't appreciate her at all. In fact, they "looked upon Matilda ... as nothing more than a scab." Matilda spends most of her time reading and the rest thinking up clever ways to punish them for their atrocious behavior, such as putting superglue into her father's hat brim, and swapping his hair tonic for peroxide. Things change when Matilda starts school. Crunchem Hall Primary School is run by the horrific Miss Trunchbull, "a gigantic holy terror, a fierce tyrannical monster who frightened the life out of pupils and teachers alike." At the same time, Matilda is taken under the wing of her perfectly sweet teacher, Miss Honey, who needs the little girl as much as the student needs her. Getting back at the Trunchbull will be much more difficult, and dangerous, than punishing her parents, so Matilda's magnificent mind starts developing even more unbelievable talents!

Is It Any Good?

This classic book has been delighting kids and their parents since 1988, appealing both to readers' imaginations and to their sense of justice. The good in Matilda are all good, and the wicked get their comeuppance at the hands of giddy, delighted children. Precocious readers, like Matilda, will recognize in this novel's villainous characters some of the same qualities that define the bad children in what is probably author Roald Dahl's most famous work, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory . Mean characters exhibit gluttony and greed, watch too much television, and cheat to get what they want. Good characters are lovable, smart, and triumphant. Matilda is a wonderful romp -- a great read-aloud for young children, and a mild challenge for middle graders to read themselves. Either way, it's tons of fun and immensely satisfying.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the idea of revenge in Matilda . Is it right for Matilda to play tricks on her parents and Miss Trunchbull?

Do you think any real person can do magical tricks like Matilda does?

If you had Matilda's powers to move things with your mind, how would you use them?

Book Details

• Author : Roald Dahl
• Illustrator : Quentin Blake
• Genre : Fantasy
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : Penguin Group
• Publication date : May 8, 2005
• Number of pages : 240
• Award : Kids' Choice Award
• Last updated : July 8, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

What to read next.

James and the Giant Peach

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Fantasy books for kids, classic books for kids, related topics.

• Magic and Fantasy
• Great Girl Role Models

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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

GEORGE L THOMAS

Always writing, always learning.

Home › Book Reviews › Book Review: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Book Review: Matilda by Roald Dahl

By georgelthomas on 22 Sep 2023 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. It’s Friday, which means it’s time for another review . Today, I am reviewing one of my favourite books: Matilda by Roald Dahl .

Matilda by Roald Dahl was first published in 1988 by Jonathan Cape and is 239 pages long.

The Plot Matilda tells the story of a young, intelligent girl named Matilda who develops telekinetic powers, using them to punish one terrible teacher while helping another.

Characters Matilda Wormwood Matilda is a precocious five-year-old girl with a love for reading and learning that surpasses that of her neglectful parents, who believe children should not waste their time reading. In one instance, her father even tears up one of her library books, causing her to take revenge by setting up some clever practical jokes.

Later, when she attends school (she starts late because her parents forgot to make the appropriate arrangements), she is wrongly blamed for putting a newt in mean headmistress Miss Trunchbull’s water. Matilda gets so mad at being wrongly accused and discovers she has a gift, suddenly finding she can move things with her eyes, tipping over the glass of water and causing the newt to jump on Miss Trunchbull.

With the help of her lovely, kind teacher Miss Honey, Matilda learns to harness her telekinetic powers, deciding to use them to help improve her life.

Miss Honey Miss Honey, Matilda’s school teacher, immediately sees Matilda’s intelligence and compassion and is instrumental in advocating for her. She is a kind-hearted mentor who believes in her students and works to help them achieve their full potential. Miss Honey is a model of kindness, gentleness, and patience and is adored by her students. Throughout the book, she is a ceaseless support to Matilda in learning to harness her telekinetic gift and intelligence, with the two forming a close bond , becoming so close that Miss Honey confides in Matilda about her harsh upbringing.

Miss Trunchbull Miss Trunchbull is the strict headmistress of Matilda’s school (and without giving too much away, a lot more). Miss Trunchbull is a terrifying authoritarian figure with strict rules and a strong dislike for children. She is imposingly tall and muscular, having once been an Olympian, and has a brutal reputation for corporal punishment. Her punishments are often cruel and humiliating, and she is notorious for her explosive temper.

Trunchball takes an immediate dislike to Matilda because she hates intelligent children. As a matter of fact, in her ideal school, there would be no children at all.

Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood Mr. And Mrs. Wormwood are Matilda’s parents and are neglectful, selfish, and unrepentantly ignorant. Their interests lie more in watching TV and engaging in shady car deals than caring for their daughter. They see education as pointless and do not believe in reading or academic achievements. Mr Wormwood hates that Matilda is intelligent and thinks his son to be superior, even though all the evidence points to the opposite. Mrs Wormwood seems to be a little less awful to her daughter, though only slightly. She seems to care more about bingo than her children and tends to agree with her husband on most things, especially regarding their hatred of books.

Lavender Lavender is one of Matilda’s classmates, a mischievous and adventurous girl who becomes Matilda’s good friend, helping her manoeuvre around the harsh school environment. Lavender is the one who puts the newt in Miss Trunchbull’s drinking water in a moment of self-confidence and defiance.

Bruce Bogtrotter Bruce is one of the students at Matilda’s school. At one point, he is accused of stealing a slice of cake from Miss Trunchbull’s tea tray in the kitchen, a crime she sees fit to punish him for in front of the whole school. Gathering all the students together, Miss Trunchbull calls Bruce to the front of the room, where she doles out his infamous punishment: forcing him to eat an entire, giant chocolate cake. It’s clear Trunchbull intends for the boy to be sick or for him to be unable to finish eating the cake – but Bruce defies her expectations and finishes the lot to the sound of every student cheering him on. It’s one of the more memorable scenes in the story.

Writing Style One of the most notable aspects of Dahl’s writing style in general, but especially in Matilda is his use of his descriptions. Here, he paints a clear picture of Matilda’s world; from the oppressive atmosphere of her home to the empty, bare-bones feel of Miss Honey’s cottage, his descriptions are not only rich in detail but also appeal to the senses, making the reader feel as though they are right alongside the characters.

Another thing that shines through is his use of humour. Despite the heavy nature of some themes in the book, some of which are rather dark, such as neglect and mistreatment, and even the suggestion of a suicide at one point, Dahl manages to infuse the story with lightness and whimsy that keeps the tone from becoming too heavy.

Additionally, as with many of Roald Dahl’s books, he expertly captures and conveys the world from the point of view of a child. He writes with empathy and understanding of how children interpret the world around them, including how adults seem so mysterious and inexplicable. This gives the book an authentic and relatable feel, making it all the more enjoyable.

Illustrations The illustrations done by Dahl’s long-time collaborator, Quentin Blake, are an integral part of the reading experience of Roald Dahl’s books, adding depth and dimension to his fantastic stories.

In Matilda, Blake’s illustrations are instantly recognizable, and his drawing style perfectly complements Dahl’s whimsical writing. Every page is filled with his simple yet brilliantly drawn pictures, perfectly capturing the playful and mischievous spirit of the story. Their exaggerated expressions and gestures work particularly well here. From Matilda’s steely determination to Miss Trunchbull’s manic rage, and even the scenes where Matilda glues a hat to her father’s head and then tricks him into dying his hair, the illustrations perfectly portray the emotions of each character, making the story all the more engaging.

Final Thoughts I have read Matilda several times over the years. It has been a great escape from the world for me, and it has also been a go-to to read to my nephews when they were growing up.

Overall, it is a classic story that should be on the reading list of all children (and grown-ups, for that matter). It is a testament to the power of imagination, kindness, and determination and a reminder that hope exists even in the bleakest circumstances.

I am giving Matilda an 8/10.

Have you read Matilda or seen any of its adaptations? What did you think of them?

As ever, thanks for stopping by. It really means the world.

Until next time,

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Categories: Book Reviews , Reading

Tags: book review , children's stories , Matilda , Quentin Blake , reader , Reading , review , Roald Dahl

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New Matilda Guide Book Launched

Discover the fascinating history of the Matilda Infantry Tank with a brand-new publication from the Tank Museum.

Featuring never-seen-before pictures from the restoration project on Matilda II, this title takes the tank fan on a journey through over 80 years of tank evolution.

“The Matilda was a decisive weapon at the Battle of Arras and in North Africa. We are pleased to release this insightful new guide that tells the story of how the Matilda was born, its history, and how we restored our Matilda back to running order. This book has been written in collaboration with Dick Taylor,” said Simon Prager, Chief Operating Officer.

The Matilda Infantry tank is one of the most iconic British armoured fighting vehicles of WWII and enjoyed the reputation of being almost impervious to enemy anti-tank guns. It was so feared by the Italians and the Germans that it was nicknamed ‘Queen of the Desert’ and was a major reason for the development of the Tiger I.

Highlights of the book include an insight into the restoration process, including lessons learnt about striking a careful balance between restoration to running order, and vehicle conservation.

The Tank Museum’s Guide to the Matilda Infantry Tank is exclusive to the online shop.

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