Matilda Questions and Answers
Matilda
What is the main theme of the book Matilda?
The main theme of Matilda is the triumph of good over evil. The story contrasts the kindness and intelligence of Matilda and Miss Honey with the cruelty and bullying of Mrs. Trunchbull and the...
Matilda
What are the best parts in Matilda by Roald Dahl?
The best parts of Matilda by Roald Dahl are when Matilda seeks revenge on the novel’s antagonists. Notable instances include supergluing her father's hat, pretending a parrot is a ghost, and using...
Matilda
Matilda's First Trick on Her Parents and Its Consequences
In Roald Dahl's Matilda, Matilda's first trick on her parents involves putting Superglue in her father's hat, making it stick to his head. This prank is a response to her parents' mistreatment and...
Matilda
How does Mrs. Phelps assist Matilda?
Mrs. Phelps helps Matilda by identifying her reading strengths, encouraging her reading habits, and empowering her to try for longer, more complex reads. She introduces Matilda to the concept of the...
Matilda
What were the Wormwood parents' five complaints about Matilda?
The Wormwood parents' five complaints about Matilda are that she is a "chatterbox," spoiled for requesting books over television, "stupid" for not understanding her father's business, wasting time...
Matilda
What does Miss Trunchbull want to do to Nigel Hicks in Matilda?
In Matilda, Miss Trunchbull wants to scare, bully, and make Nigel Hicks submit to her because she feels threatened by his intelligence and confidence. She tries to force him to be polite, admit he is...
Matilda
Do you agree with the author of Matilda on how parents should treat their children?
Author Roald Dahl believes that parents should treat their children with dignity and respect. He believes it is far better for parents to overvalue their children than to ignore and belittle them....
Matilda
Who placed itching powder in the headmistress's gym knickers in Matilda?
In Roald Dahl's Matilda, the character Hortensia placed itching powder in Miss Trunchbull's gym knickers. She bought a powder called "skin scorcher" and sprinkled it into all of Miss Trunchbull's...
Matilda
What happened to Julius Rottwinkle in Matilda?
In Matilda, Julius Rottwinkle is picked up by his arm and flung out of a window by Miss Trunchbull. This is his punishment for eating Liquorice allsorts during a scripture lesson.
Matilda
What did Mr. Wormwood do to Matilda's library book and what was her counter-attack plan? Why was Mr. Wormwood...
Mr. Wormwood tears up Matilda's library book. She plans a counter-attack in which she scares her father by convincing him a parrot she has hidden is a ghost. Mr. Wormwood tries to teach Michael...
Matilda
How did Matilda convince her family of a ghost in the house?
Matilda convinces her family of a ghost in the house by hiding a parrot in the dining room chimney, which squawks phrases like "Hullo" and "Rattle my bones." When her family hears the noises and...
Matilda
Why is Matilda referred to as a "gifted" girl?
Matilda can be called a gifted girl because she is a very precocious, advanced child. She speaks perfectly by the time she's reached eighteen months, can read by the age of three, and is able to do...
Matilda
Do you think Miss Trunchbull in Matilda was normal?
Miss Trunchbull is not normal in Matilda. She is a violent, sadistic woman who terrorizes the children and teachers in her school. For example, she locks children in a tiny closet lined with broken...
Matilda
How would you feel if you were Matilda?
If I were Matilda, I would feel neglected and frustrated due to my parents' indifference and unethical behavior. Despite being bright, I would struggle with their lack of support and respect. I would...
Matilda
What is Mr. Wormwood's personality in Matilda?
In Roald Dahl's Matilda, Mr. Wormwood, the title character's father, is a terrible person and an even worse parent. He is dishonest, sneaky, arrogant, obnoxious, and an abusive father. He is a used...
Matilda
What is the name of Matilda's teacher?
Matilda's teacher is Miss Honey, who plays a significant role in the story as an inspirational and compassionate educator. Despite her own challenging circumstances, Miss Honey forms a close bond...
Matilda
Miss Trunchbull's Intimidating Behavior Towards Students
Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress in Matilda, is a terrifying figure feared by students for her tyrannical and violent behavior. She enforces strict discipline, using extreme and cruel punishments...
Matilda
Why does Matilda visit Fred's house?
Matilda goes to Fred’s house so that she can borrow his parrot, which she uses to confuse and scare her parents as part of her ongoing campaign to get back at them for their cruelty.
Matilda
What made Matilda's life more tolerable?
Matilda's life is made more tolerable when she starts exacting revenge on her parents. Things improve even more when she starts attending school and meets Miss Honey. Her life is transformed from...
Matilda
Describe Matilda's special power and how she uses it positively.
Matilda possesses the special power of telekinesis, allowing her to move objects with her mind. She uses this ability positively by scaring the cruel Miss Trunchbull into leaving the school for good....
Matilda
How does the author portray doting parents in Matilda?
The author portrays doting parents humorously and critically through the narrator's voice. In the opening of Matilda, the narrator mocks parents who blindly adore their children despite obvious...
Matilda
Do you agree that Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood neglect Matilda and lack showing love and care?
Matilda's parents, the Wormwoods, show a complete lack of interest in her, so it can be argued that they do not treat her with love and care. They ignore both their children, but Matilda's brother,...
Matilda
What does Matilda's mother do all day in Matilda?
Matilda's mother, Mrs. Wormwood, spends most of her time playing bingo or watching mindless soaps on TV. She may not be a villain in the same league as Miss Trunchbull, but she's still a villain....
Matilda
In Matilda, how does Miss Trunchbull teach Eric Ink to spell "what", and why does her opinion of Mr. Wormwood change?...
In Matilda, Miss Trunchbull teaches Eric Ink the spelling of "what" by dangling him by his ears and shouting the correct spelling. Miss Trunchbull's opinion of Mr. Wormword changes when she realized...
Matilda
In Matilda, why can't Mrs. Wormwood make dinner at home?
Mrs. Wormwood is unable to make dinner at home because she is too tired from her bingo afternoons.
Matilda
What feeling does Chapter 1 of Matilda evoke in the reader?
Chapter 1 evokes a mix of humor and shock in readers. The engaging, humorous narration, especially the witty remarks about children, makes readers laugh. However, the neglect Matilda faces from her...
Matilda
What is Matilda's brother's name in Matilda by Roald Dahl?
Matilda's brother in Roald Dahl's Matilda is named Michael Wormwood. He is portrayed as an ordinary boy, unlike his brilliant sister, and is favored by their parents due to his "normality." Michael...
Matilda
How long was Mr. Wormwood nice to Matilda after the superglue incident?
Mr. Wormwood is nice to Matilda for about a week after the superglue incident. For that brief period, he seems chastened, and appears to lose his taste for “boasting and bullying.”
Matilda
What are some lesson plans, activities, and exercises for teaching "Matilda"?
To teach "Matilda," explore state education websites for lesson plans and activities aligned with standards. Utilize non-profit resources like the National Education Association, Teacher.org, PBS...
Matilda
What special knowledge does Matilda have in school and what does Miss Honey tell Miss Trunchbull about her?
Matilda knows many things in school that her classmates do not, such as her two-times table, which she's able to recite perfectly. Miss Honey is very impressed and tries to tell Miss Trunchbull that...
Matilda
If Miss Trunchbull from Matilda was your headmistress, how would you handle her? What are a similarity and a...
The question of how to deal with Miss Trunchbull in Matilda is a personal one, though it is worth bearing in mind the forms of resistance encountered in the book and the advice of Miss Honey....
Matilda
What elements of feminism are evident in the book Matilda?
Matilda is a feminist book because the character of Matilda shows strength, independence, and self-reliance. She does not rely on others and she fights against injustice. Whereas many children's...
Matilda
How would you react if Trunchbull entered your classroom?
If Miss Trunchbull entered my classroom, I would be terrified. Known for her despot-like demeanor, she would likely enter with a purposeful stride, ready to punish for any perceived wrongdoing. Her...
Matilda
Why did Miss Honey's aunt treat her poorly in Matilda?
Miss Honey's aunt treated her appallingly because she was likely jealous of the girl's youth and status compared to her own status in life. The description of Miss Honey's aunt fits the archetype of...
Matilda
What effect does the short sentence "Everyone waited." have in Matilda?
The short sentence "Everyone waited" in Roald Dahl's Matilda heightens suspense and tension by building anticipation for the arrival of Miss Trunchbull. Its brevity and non-specificity create a sense...
Matilda
What gender norms are contrasted in Matilda and what implicit values are connected to them?
In Matilda, gender norms are contrasted through characters like Matilda and Miss Honey, who defy expectations by valuing intelligence and independence over traditional female roles focused on...