Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why don't Matilda's parents recognize her high intelligence?
Why don't Matilda's parents recognize her high intelligence?
- They are too busy with their own lives
- They are not educated enough to notice
- They don't care about her development (correct)
- They are jealous of her abilities
What is Mr. Wormwood's philosophy when it comes to selling cars?
What is Mr. Wormwood's philosophy when it comes to selling cars?
- Customers should always be told the truth
- Customers are there to be diddled (correct)
- Honesty is the best policy
- Sawdust in the engine is a necessary modification
Why does Miss Trunchbull get away with treating children badly?
Why does Miss Trunchbull get away with treating children badly?
- She is very rich
- She is very strong
- Her actions are so outrageous, they're unbelievable (correct)
- She is very intelligent
What does Matilda want to do when she asks her father for a book?
What does Matilda want to do when she asks her father for a book?
How old is Matilda at the beginning of the story?
How old is Matilda at the beginning of the story?
Why do Matilda's parents want to get rid of her?
Why do Matilda's parents want to get rid of her?
What is Matilda's personality like?
What is Matilda's personality like?
What is the size of the TV screen mentioned in the novel?
What is the size of the TV screen mentioned in the novel?
What does Mr. Wormwood want to get rid of by the end of the novel?
What does Mr. Wormwood want to get rid of by the end of the novel?
What does Mrs. Wormwood think is more important for a girl than education?
What does Mrs. Wormwood think is more important for a girl than education?
Who does Mrs. Wormwood compare herself to when talking to Miss Honey?
Who does Mrs. Wormwood compare herself to when talking to Miss Honey?
What is Mrs. Wormwood's occupation?
What is Mrs. Wormwood's occupation?
Why does Miss Honey visit the Wormwoods' house?
Why does Miss Honey visit the Wormwoods' house?
What does Mrs. Wormwood think Matilda should focus on to get a good husband?
What does Mrs. Wormwood think Matilda should focus on to get a good husband?
How does Mrs. Wormwood feel about her life compared to Miss Honey's?
How does Mrs. Wormwood feel about her life compared to Miss Honey's?
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Study Notes
Matilda
- Matilda, the protagonist, faces neglect from her parents and finds solace in her school life and friendship with Miss Honey.
- At the age of five, Matilda showcases exceptional intelligence, which goes unnoticed by her parents.
Matilda's Intelligence
- Matilda's mind is described as "nimble" and "quick to learn," making her intelligence evident even to the most oblivious observers.
- Matilda demonstrates her insight by explaining to Lavender why Miss Trunchbull's cruel behavior goes unpunished: her outrageous actions make her stories unbelievable.
Harry Wormwood
- Harry Wormwood, Matilda's father, is a dishonest person who feels no guilt about cheating customers in his car sales business.
- He justifies his actions by saying, "No one ever got rich being honest...customers are there to be diddled."
- Harry Wormwood shows no interest in Matilda's life or education, exemplified by his unsupportive response to her request for a book.
- Towards the end of the novel, Harry Wormwood is willing to abandon Matilda to live with Miss Honey, demonstrating his complete disregard for her well-being.
Zinnia Wormwood
- Zinnia Wormwood, Matilda's mother, shares her husband's lack of interest in education and prioritizes physical attractiveness over intellectual pursuits.
- When Miss Honey visits to discuss Matilda's exceptional intelligence, Zinnia responds by emphasizing the importance of looks over books, citing her own example of marrying a successful businessman.
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