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.

Explore the plot and characters of the children's book Matilda by Roald Dahl. Follow Matilda's journey as she navigates her challenging relationship with her parents and discovers her extraordinary power to move things with her mind. Learn more about the author Roald Dahl and the memorable characters in this classic story.