Matilda Book Summary

Matilda Book Overview

• Matilda is a children's book written by Roald Dahl and published in 1988.
• The book is about a young girl named Matilda who has a rocky relationship with her parents.

Main Characters

• Matilda: A precocious and intelligent little girl who possesses the power to move objects with her mind.
• Miss Honey: Matilda's kind and patient teacher at Crunchem Hall who appreciates Matilda's intelligence and special gift.
• Miss Trunchbull: The cruel and unkind principal at Crunchem Hall who frequently punishes children for no reason.
• Mr. Wormwood: Matilda's father, an arrogant and dishonest used-car salesman who cheats his customers and neglects Matilda.
• Mrs. Wormwood: Matilda's mother, who is shallow, self-absorbed, and neglects both Matilda and her brother Michael.

Plot Summary

• Matilda discovers her special power and learns to control it, using it for good with a bit of mischief.
• She is enrolled in Crunchem Hall, where she meets Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull.
• Miss Trunchbull is cruel to the children, and Matilda uses her power to get revenge on her father and to scare Miss Trunchbull.
• Matilda confides in Miss Honey about her power, and they form a close bond.
• Matilda uses her power to write a message on the blackboard, which appears to be from the ghost of Miss Honey's father, ordering Miss Trunchbull to return her father's home and money to Miss Honey.
• Miss Trunchbull is frightened and leaves, never to return.
• Miss Honey inherits her father's home and money, and Matilda loses her mind powers but is promoted to a higher grade in school.
• The Wormwoods, who are criminals, are forced to move to Spain, and Matilda is allowed to stay with Miss Honey, who adopts her.

Themes

• Courage: Matilda and Lavender display courage by standing up to Miss Trunchbull's abuse.
• Honesty: Avoiding the truth has consequences, as seen in Mr. Wormwood's criminal business dealings.
• Family: Matilda's parents do not appreciate the value of children, but Miss Honey does.
• Youth: Children are primary characters in the book, and their worth is demonstrated by their intelligence and uniqueness.
• Education: The value of a solid education is evident in Matilda's desire to learn, which is encouraged by Miss Honey.
• Good vs. Evil: The triumph of good over evil occurs when Matilda rids the school of Miss Trunchbull, and Miss Honey gets her house and money back.