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Questions and Answers
What is Matilda's main talent?
What is Matilda's main talent?
Matilda has the ability to move things with her mind.
Who is Miss Trunchbull?
Who is Miss Trunchbull?
Miss Trunchbull is the cruel headmistress of Crunchem Hall school.
What happens at the end of the story?
What happens at the end of the story?
Matilda is adopted by Miss Honey and they live happily together.
What special power does Matilda have?
What special power does Matilda have?
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Who is the main antagonist in the book?
Who is the main antagonist in the book?
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What is the climax of the story?
What is the climax of the story?
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What themes are present in the book?
What themes are present in the book?
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What is the main plot of the book Matilda?
What is the main plot of the book Matilda?
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Who is Miss Honey in the book Matilda?
Who is Miss Honey in the book Matilda?
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Describe Mr. Wormwood's character in Matilda.
Describe Mr. Wormwood's character in Matilda.
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Study Notes
Overview of Matilda
- Author: Roald Dahl, published in 1988.
- Main Character: Matilda Wormwood, a highly intelligent and gifted five-year-old girl.
- Special Ability: Can move objects with her mind, discovered throughout the story.
Character Profiles
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Matilda Wormwood:
- Unusual intelligence for her age; advanced reader since age three.
- Relies on her intellect and powers to navigate her challenging environment.
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Miss Honey:
- Matilda's compassionate teacher at Crunchem Hall.
- Recognizes and supports Matilda's intelligence, advocating for her advancement.
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Miss Trunchbull:
- The cruel principal of Crunchem Hall, harshly punishes children without reason.
- Serves as the main antagonist who embodies adult tyranny over children.
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Mr. Wormwood:
- Matilda's negligent father, a dishonest used-car salesman.
- Often dismissive and critical of Matilda, favoring her less intelligent brother, Michael.
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Mrs. Wormwood:
- Matilda's self-absorbed mother, more interested in television and bingo than parenting.
- Represents adult neglect and superficiality.
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Supporting Characters:
- Bruce Bogtrotter: Matilda's friend punished for eating Miss Trunchbull's cake.
- Lavender: Matilda's adventurous best friend who also faces Miss Trunchbull's wrath.
- Hortensia: An older student who informs Matilda about the principal’s punishments.
Plot Summary
- Matilda is neglected by her self-centered parents who disregard her academic talents.
- Challenges their authority by executing clever pranks in retaliation to their mistreatment.
- Enrolls in Crunchem Hall where she faces the cruelty of Miss Trunchbull, who mistreats students.
- Forms a strong bond with Miss Honey, who understands and nurtures Matilda’s gifts.
- Climactic moment occurs when Matilda uses her telekinetic abilities to scare Miss Trunchbull away.
- Ends with Matilda being adopted by Miss Honey, escaping her neglectful family.
Themes
- Courage: Displayed by Matilda and her friends in standing up against oppression.
- Honesty: Highlighted through Mr. Wormwood's consequences for his deceitful actions.
- Family: The contrasting views of family value; Miss Honey provides the love Matilda's parents lack.
- Youth and Education: Promotes the importance of intelligence and a loving education, as seen through Matilda's growth.
- Good vs. Evil: Good triumphs when Matilda frees herself and Miss Honey from Miss Trunchbull, while exposing the adults' failures.
- Revenge: Matilda seeks vengeance against those who mistreat her, showcasing children's resilience and cleverness.
- Power Dynamics: Illustrates how adults' perceived power over children is subverted by Matilda's abilities and intelligence.
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Description
Test Your Knowledge: How Well Do You Know Matilda by Roald Dahl?
