Matilda’s Witty Revenge
Matilda’s Clever Pranks
The Superglue Incident
Matilda’s father, a dishonest used car salesman, insults her intelligence. In retaliation, Matilda glues his hat to his head with superglue. He’s forced to cut it off, much to Matilda’s amusement.
The Hair Dye Trick
After another argument, Matilda replaces her father’s hair tonic with blonde hair dye. His hair turns silver, embarrassing him. Matilda’s pranks are a response to her father’s constant mistreatment.
The Parrot Prank
Matilda hides her neighbor’s parrot in the chimney. The parrot’s talking makes her parents think their house is haunted. This prank is another example of Matilda’s cleverness and her way of dealing with her uncaring parents.
Matilda’s World
A Love for Books
Matilda is a gifted child who loves reading. By age three, she’s reading complex books. She visits the library regularly, seeking new stories and knowledge. This passion contrasts sharply with her parents’ disinterest in learning.
Family Dynamics
Matilda’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, neglect her intellectual needs. Mr. Wormwood is a dishonest car salesman, while Mrs. Wormwood prefers bingo and television. Her brother, Michael, is considered “normal” and less intelligent than Matilda.
School Life
At school, Matilda finds a kindred spirit in her kind teacher, Miss Honey. Miss Honey recognizes Matilda’s brilliance. In contrast, the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is cruel and strict, creating a challenging school environment.
Character Analysis
Matilda
Matilda is a bright and resourceful five-year-old. Despite her difficult home life, she remains modest and has a strong sense of justice.
Mr. Wormwood
Matilda’s father is dishonest and disrespectful. He cheats his customers and belittles Matilda’s intelligence. His focus is solely on money.
Mrs. Wormwood
Matilda’s mother is equally unsupportive. She ignores Matilda’s talents and prioritizes entertainment over her daughter’s education.
Michael
Matilda’s older brother is unremarkable and less intelligent than her. He is favored by their father and is expected to follow in his footsteps.
Miss Honey
Matilda’s teacher is kind and nurturing. She recognizes Matilda’s exceptional abilities and seeks to support her growth.
Miss Trunchbull
The headmistress is cruel and tyrannical. She instills fear in the students and is known for her harsh punishments.
Personal Reflection
Matilda is an inspiring story about a gifted child overcoming adversity. Matilda’s resilience and cleverness are admirable. Her pranks, while mischievous, are understandable given her parents’ neglect. The contrast between Miss Honey’s kindness and Miss Trunchbull’s cruelty highlights the impact of adults on a child’s life. Matilda’s love for reading is relatable and emphasizes the power of books.