Research Paper On Matilda By Roald Dahl

Children’s books have always been a tradition within families. Reading to children and inspiring them with tales of fantasy, children’s stories follow us throughout our entire lives. One book has seemed light with the main character a mischievous little girl, who has proven knowledge is a key to success. Matilda by Roald Dahl is a children's book that was published in 1988. Matilda is a popular children’s book, but the darkness that is held within the book would surprise many. Matilda was actually coping with her terrible parents and most of the story told is not actually real. Matilda was a quiet and imaginative girl; her mind was powerful and it took no effort for her to deny her issues. Through Roald Dahl’s seemingly innocent and light
Matilda had decided that whenever her parents were demeaning to her, she would get revenge and punish them (Dahl 29). Matilda would even act out with aggression towards her parents; although, who can blame Matilda? Aggression is a coping style of abused children; they act out in anger because they feel wrongfully hurt (“Effects” 1). These children are being hurt by those loved and close to them. Parents who are abusers often want to contain power and control over their children (“Effects” 1). Mr. Wormwood would often get mad at Matilda whenever she challenged his opinion or intelligence (Dahl 22-28, 55). When Matilda solved a math problem with ease and quicker than her father, Mr Wormwood exclaimed, “You must have looked (at the answer)! No one in the world could give the right answer just like that, especially a girl!” (Dahl 55). Mr. Wormwood would often tear down Matilda to obtain power. Matilda’s parents wanted control and power over Matilda. When Miss Honey stepped in and stood up for Matilda, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood lost all power over Matilda. Miss Honey was the first person to show her affection and endearment. When Miss Honey first met Matilda, “There was no doubt in her mind that she had met a truly extraordinary mathematical brain and words like child-genius and prodigy went flitting through her mind” (Dahl 75). Miss Honey saw Matilda’s potential, unlike Mrs. and Mr. Wormwood (Dahl 75, 91, 94-100). Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood were “so wrapped up in their own silly little lives that they failed to notice anything unusual about their daughter” (Dahl 10). Miss Honey could see the obvious child genius sitting in front of her while Matilda’s parents chose to ignore their intelligent daughter. Miss Honey even stuck up for Matilda in front of Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood (Dahl 96-100). Miss Honey was also the perfect role model for Matilda. Miss Honey believes in books over looks (Dah 100).