Matilda by Roald Dahl

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Read a book Signup and view all the answers

How old is Matilda at the beginning of the story?

5 years old Signup and view all the answers

Why do Matilda's parents want to get rid of her?

They simply don't care about her Signup and view all the answers

What is Matilda's personality like?

She is very insightful and quick to learn Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the TV screen mentioned in the novel?

Twelve inches Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Wormwood want to get rid of by the end of the novel?

Matilda Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Wormwood think is more important for a girl than education?

Looks Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mrs. Wormwood compare herself to when talking to Miss Honey?

Miss Honey Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Wormwood's occupation?

Housewife Signup and view all the answers

Why does Miss Honey visit the Wormwoods' house?

To discuss Matilda's education Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Wormwood think Matilda should focus on to get a good husband?

Looks Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Wormwood feel about her life compared to Miss Honey's?

She feels satisfied with her choices Signup and view all the answers

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.