Matilda Summary
Description
Here you will find a Matilda summary (Roald Dahl's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters Matilda Summary Overview
An extraordinarily bright young girl named Matilda Wormwood has the misfortune of being born into a family that doesn't value her intellect. Matilda has a knack for language and literature from a very early age, a passion encouraged by a friendly librarian and contrary to her parents' preference for television. Her father, an unscrupulous car dealer who dreams of his son following in his dubious footsteps, dismisses his daughter's precocious abilities. In response to her parents' negligence and dishonesty, Matilda resorts to a series of harmless pranks to get their attention and teach them a lesson. Matilda's educational journey finally brings her to a supportive adult figure, Miss Honey, her teacher at school. Miss Honey is empathetic and quickly recognizes Matilda's exceptional intellectual capacity, but her efforts to provide Matilda with more advanced learning opportunities are thwarted by the tyrannical school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Miss Trunchbull's reign of terror includes unprecedented punishments, including throwing a student over a fence for her hairstyle and forcing another to overeat, inciting Matilda's sense of justice. Matilda's spite for this mistreatment bonds her with a fellow classmate, Lavender, and they both conspire to punish the brutal headmistress. As Matilda's journey unfolds, she discovers her remarkable telekinetic abilities, a skill she uses to frighten Miss Trunchbull by manipulating a newt-filled glass. Matilda's powers also reveal the heart-wrenching backstory of Miss Honey's financial struggles and her cruel exploitation by her aunt – who turns out to be none other than Miss Trunchbull. Determined to help Miss Honey, Matilda uses her powers to terrify Miss Trunchbull into abandoning the town and returning Miss Honey's inherited property. Matilda's life takes another dramatic turn when her family decides to flee to Spain to escape her father's shady business dealings. However, Matilda chooses to stay behind with Miss Honey, a decision her parents casually accept, leaving her to a much brighter future.
chapter 1
The storyteller presents how parents often view their children as the most intelligent, although sometimes, they neglect their kids. Matilda's situation is the latter. Although her brother, Michael, is considered "perfectly normal," Matilda herself is incredibly smart and emotional. At a mere year and a half old, she talks like an adult and by age three, she is self-taught in reading. Despite these abilities, her parents, the Wormwoods, fail to see her extraordinary qualities. Given the lack of books at her house, Matilda requests her father to purchase one, but he insists she should watch television instead. In the afternoons when her parents are busy, Matilda frequents the local library. The librarian, Mrs. Phelps, is concerned about Matilda's age and the absence of adult supervision but opts not to intervene. Matilda has read all the children's books and begins exploring reputable adult literature. Mrs. Phelps points her to Great Expectations, and Matilda continues with other classics afterward. Mrs. Phelps shows her how to borrow books, reducing her visits to once a week. Matilda's leisure time is spent enjoying hot chocolate and engrossed in her books, isolated in her room while her family is away.
chapter 2
Matilda resides in a comfortable home due to her father Mr. Wormwood's prosperous used car business. At supper, he shares his dubious strategies for selling cars with her and Michael, hoping to have his son join him in the trade. His tactics include filling car engines with sawdust to improve the sound during a test drive and tampering with the odometer to falsely reduce the mileage. He boasts about employing these manipulative tactics on all his cars. Matilda criticizes her father for being dishonest and deceiving his trusting customers. This infuriates Mr. Wormwood who defends his actions, arguing that his deceitful practices put food on their table. Matilda is also scolded by her mother for being rude to her father. She attempts to excuse herself to read her book, yet she is forced to endure the family dinner in front of the television. Matilda is offended and upset by being labelled as unwise and unintelligent, but she controls her feelings. As she retires to bed, Matilda decides that she will retaliate against her parents, beginning with her father.
chapter 3
Matilda carries out her maiden act of revenge on Mr. Wormwood. As her father prepares for work, she covers the inside of his preferred hat with superglue. Oblivious of her trick, Mr. Wormwood wears the hat all day long. On his return, Mrs. Wormwood finds the hat impossible to remove from his head. After a restless night with the hat still on, Mr. Wormwood wakes up to find his wife determined to cut it off. After the hat is excised, he's left with a bald, white ring on his head and remains of the hat stuck on his forehead. Matilda suggests he remove the remnants or people might think he has lice, which annoys him. The narrator expresses that Matilda's prank didn't serve as a lasting lesson to Mr. Wormwood.
chapter 4
For a week, there is no trouble between Mr. Wormwood and Matilda. However, one day he returns from work in a foul mood and is furious to see Matilda reading a book while the television is on. He rips the pages out of her library book, dismissing her pleas to stop. Matilda decides it's time for another trick. She borrows a talking parrot from her neighbor, Fred, and hides it in the fireplace. When the family is settled in front of the television for dinner, the parrot begins to talk, frightening them all. Mr. Wormwood insists they should inspect the source of the voice together. Entering the dining room armed with various household items, they hear the parrot again. Matilda manages to convince them they're hearing a ghost and the room is haunted, leaving her parents in a state of terror. After the prank, she returns the parrot to Fred, remarking, “My parents adored it.”
chapter 5
Matilda yearns for compassionate and intelligent parents. Although her pranks lead to small improvements in their behavior, they remain largely unchanged. Matilda finds solace in plotting her next act of retaliation. Her father returns from work one day, boasting about his earnings. He instructs Matilda's brother, Michael, to calculate his total profit from selling five cars that day. As Michael struggles, Matilda effortlessly provides the total. Ignoring her initially, her father finally checks his figures and is instantly enraged. He accuses Matilda of cheating by peeking at his calculations. Despite Matilda's denials, her father labels her a cheat and a liar.
chapter 6
Matilda hatches a plan for revenge on her father before bedtime. The next day, she discovers two hair products in the bathroom - "platinum blonde hair-dye extra strong" that her mom uses, and "oil of violets hair tonic" her dad uses to strengthen his hair. Matilda replaces most of the hair tonic in her father's bottle with her mother's blonde hair-dye. At breakfast, Mr. Wormwood unknowingly uses the tampered hair tonic. On seeing him, Mrs. Wormwood drops the breakfast tray in shock, calling his hair “horrendous” and saying he “looks like a freak” as it's turned a dirty silver. Mr. Wormwood is alarmed and Matilda suggests he might've mistaken the hair products. He rushes to rinse off the dye and instructs his wife to set up a hairdresser's appointment to restore his black hair. While he's away, Mrs. Wormwood remarks to Matilda that “men are not always quite as clever as they think they are.”
chapter 7
Matilda attends school for her inaugural day, meeting her adored teacher, Miss Honey. The headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, strikes fear into the students' hearts and demands unwavering obedience and strict discipline. In class, Miss Honey quizzes the children on multiplication tables. Matilda stuns her by solving even the toughest problems, leading Miss Honey to believe she's a prodigy. The young girl further impresses her teacher by reading a complex sentence from the chalkboard and reciting a poem or a "limerick". Astonished, Miss Honey hears Matilda recite her own limerick praising Miss Honey's beauty. Curious about Matilda's reading habits, Miss Honey is told that Matilda enjoys authors like C. S. Lewis, Tolkien and Charles Dickens, but wishes they incorporated more humor. The discussion abruptly ends with the ringing of the class bell.
chapter 8
Miss Honey departs her classroom to seek out Miss Trunchbull's office. Miss Trunchbull lacks the traits necessary for a competent head: fairness, empathy, comprehension. Miss Honey attempts to discuss Matilda with Miss Trunchbull. Miss Trunchbull recalls buying a car from Matilda's father, whom she deemed reliable, and his warning about Matilda's troublesome nature. Miss Honey counters this by declaring Matilda's genius, but Miss Trunchbull is unconvinced. Miss Honey suggests Matilda should be promoted to the school's top grade, but Miss Trunchbull interprets this as a ploy to be rid of Matilda. Miss Trunchbull maintains that “all children remain in their own age groups regardless of ability.” This crushes Miss Honey, but she remains undeterred. She vows to find a solution to assist Matilda.
chapter 9
Miss Honey provides Matilda with advanced level textbooks, including algebra and geometry. Making the decision to speak to Matilda's parents, she visits the Wormwood residence late in the day, ensuring Matilda is sleeping. Mr. Wormwood, displeased with the interruption to his TV time, grumpily greets Miss Honey. She clarifies her identity and intention to discuss Matilda, to which Mr. Wormwood expresses annoyance. Unfazed, Miss Honey criticizes him, stating if he prioritized television over his child's future, maybe he isn't fit to be a father. This shocks Mr. Wormwood and he allows her in. Mrs. Wormwood also shows annoyance at the interruption to her TV viewing. She dismisses Miss Honey's concerns, stating men don't value intelligence in women. Drawing a comparison between herself and Miss Honey, Mrs. Wormwood highlights her marital status and comfortable lifestyle against Miss Honey's single, teaching life. Miss Honey attempts to stress Matilda's potential for higher education, emphasizing the importance of professions like doctors and lawyers. However, experiencing the Wormwoods' stubbornness, she finally accepts defeat and takes her leave.
chapter 10
Matilda forms a bond with a fellow student, Lavender, thanks to their shared love for adventures. They encounter a senior student, Hortensia, who is far from pleasant. Hortensia reveals a horrific punishment room called “The Chokey,” filled with sharp objects, used by Miss Trunchbull for disciplining students. Hortensia shares her own experiences of being placed in The Chokey for her mischiefs. Matilda and Lavender see a streak of rebellion in Hortensia, which resonates with their own. They are cautioned by Hortensia about Miss Trunchbull's astonishing strength, derived from her past as a hammer throw champion. During a playground incident, Miss Trunchbull flings a pigtailed-girl, Amanda, over the fence for defying her. Matilda questions if parents protest against such treatment, but Hortensia mentions that they are as terrified of Miss Trunchbull as the students themselves.
chapter 11
Lavender confides in Matilda about her fear of her father's reaction if he discovered she'd been tossed over a fence by the headmistress. Matilda suggests that nobody would believe this, and that's why Miss Trunchbull gets away with her behavior. The girls conclude that, rather than being insane, Miss Trunchbull is exceedingly dangerous. The entire school is directed to the Assembly Hall. Miss Trunchbull makes her appearance, clutching a riding-crop. She singles out Bruce Bogtrotter, accusing him of purloining her chocolate cake. He eventually confesses. The headmistress summons the cook who brings in a mammoth chocolate cake. She orders Bruce to devour it entirely while everyone watches. Bruce initially finds it challenging but finds his pace, and the room silently roots for him to complete the task instead of succumbing to illness. Bruce manages to consume the entire cake, spurred by Miss Trunchbull's threat of locking him in The Chokey if he fails. Miss Trunchbull's rage leads her to shatter the now empty plate over Bruce’s head, causing no harm. Fuming, she scolds Bruce and exits the hall.
chapter 12
Miss Honey informs her class about Miss Trunchbull's weekly routine of taking over their lessons every Thursday afternoon. She advises them to stay clean, disciplined, and avoid any form of misbehavior or cheekiness. She also shares that Miss Trunchbull always requires a pitcher of water and a glass on the desk. Lavender steps up to arrange this each time. Wanting to retaliate against Miss Trunchbull, Lavender is inspired by Hortensia and Matilda's brave actions. She manages to capture a threatening-looking yet harmless newt from her garden pond and decides to hide it in her pencil box, keeping this a secret. On Thursday, Lavender sets up a blue ceramic pitcher and glass after lunch while the classroom is deserted, placing the newt inside. She then rejoins the rest of the students outside to avoid suspicion.
chapter 13
Miss Trunchbull harshly addresses her students, labeling them as “nauseating little warts.” She expresses her desire to expel as many of them as possible to avoid dealing with them in the future. Conducting an inspection of their hands, she singles out Nigel for having dirty hands, making him stand in a corner after correctly answering her spelling questions. Rupert and Eric are not as lucky, with Miss Trunchbull physically lifting them by their hair and ears respectively for wrong answers. Despite Miss Honey's concern for the children's wellbeing and attempts to intervene, Miss Trunchbull disregards her. She even advises Miss Honey to emulate the cruel teacher in Charles Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby. Matilda reveals she's read the book, but Miss Trunchbull doubts her. Upon discovering Matilda is Mr. Wormwood's child, Miss Trunchbull accuses him of cheating her with a faulty, sawdust-filled car. She warns Matilda she will keep a close eye on her.
chapter 14
Miss Trunchbull, sitting at the teacher's desk, expresses her distaste for children, dreaming of a school “one that has no children in it at all.” Suddenly, a newt from a water jug lands in her glass, causing her to jump and scream. Lavender cautions her that the newt might bite. Miss Trunchbull, without any proof, blames Matilda for the newt incident and threatens to expel her. Despite Matilda's repeated denials, Miss Trunchbull continues to accuse her, even threatening physical punishment. After the commotion settles, Matilda focuses her attention on the glass containing the newt. She feels a strange sensation, as if she was mentally connected to the glass. Using this odd sensation, she mentally pushes the glass over, spilling the newt on Miss Trunchbull. The enraged headmistress blames Matilda again, but Miss Honey interjects, saying no one moved in the classroom. After Miss Trunchbull storms out, Miss Honey dismisses the class to the playground for the rest of the day.
chapter 15
Matilda stays behind to confess to Miss Honey, telling her she didn't place the newt in the jug but she made it spill. Miss Honey is confused so Matilda explains the strong sensation she felt and her desire for the glass to tumble. When Miss Honey expresses skepticism but asks if she could do it again, Matilda agrees. Miss Honey prepares the glass, and Matilda applies her concentration, experiencing the peculiar strength once more. She mentally commands the glass to fall and it does, leaving Miss Honey in awe. Matilda's expression is distant and when questioned, she says, “I was flying past the stars on silver wings.” She's invited to Miss Honey's home for tea, which she happily accepts, but requests Miss Honey to keep her newfound abilities a secret.
chapter 16
Matilda is engaged in conversation with Miss Honey as they trek across town towards Miss Honey's house. Miss Honey proposes that Matilda's unique abilities might be associated with her intellect, cautioning that they should be careful since they don't fully comprehend these powers. Matilda is unphased by this. They walk into the countryside to Miss Honey's small house, where she imparts a Dylan Thomas poem to Matilda. The quaint cottage and its surroundings seem like a fairy tale to Matilda. She is tasked with fetching water from the well for tea and is astonished by Miss Honey's tiny kitchen. Upon inquiring about Miss Honey's financial status, she confirms she is indeed poor. They settle in the sparsely furnished living room, sitting on flipped over boxes, sipping tea. Matilda senses there's more to this cottage than meets the eye and is keen on unveiling its secrets. Miss Honey acknowledges Matilda's powers as unprecedented and suggests they explore the extent of her abilities, including the size and distance of objects she can manipulate. This prospect enthuses Matilda.
chapter 17
Matilda queries Miss Honey over tea about the financial struggles of other educators. This disquiets Miss Honey, but Matilda quickly apologizes. Choosing to share her past with Matilda, Miss Honey talks about her hardships as an orphan, raised by a cruel aunt who forced her into servitude. Despite the demanding chores, Miss Honey still managed to attend a teachers college. Upon becoming a teacher, her aunt claimed she owed her for her upbringing and started taking her salary, leaving Miss Honey with just a pound each week. Desperate for a way out, Miss Honey began renting a tiny cottage for 10 pence weekly. Matilda is outraged, insisting that Miss Honey's father's house should have been left to her, not her aunt. Miss Honey admits her aunt forged documents and is seen as a "respected figure in the community." Suspensefully, Miss Honey reveals that her dreaded aunt is none other than Miss Trunchbull.
chapter 18
Learning that Miss Trunchbull is Miss Honey's aunt, Matilda feels empathy towards her teacher's difficult childhood. Miss Honey, feeling regretful about sharing her past, suggests Matilda practices her unusual abilities, but Matilda prefers to return home. In silence, they reach Matilda's house, discussing Miss Honey's history once more before parting. Matilda ensures she won't discuss Miss Honey's past with others. She then inquires about the names Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey's father used for each other, and for Miss Honey herself. Miss Honey discloses that they used their first names: Magnus, Agatha, and Jenny. Warning Matilda against any reckless behaviour, Miss Honey bids her goodbye. Matilda, appreciating the tea, thanks Miss Honey and enters her house.
chapter 19
Matilda discovers her home is vacant. She feels the urgency to assist Miss Honey. She grabs one of her dad's cigars from the lounge and retreats to her room to prepare for her scheme. She places the cigar on her vanity and employs her newfound abilities to nudge it off. Attempting to elevate the cigar proves more challenging. Nonetheless, after a strenuous effort, Matilda manages to levitate the cigar using her mental powers and sustain it in midair for approximately a minute. This effort leaves her drained. For a week, she practices her new skill daily after school until she manages to manipulate the cigar midair. Satisfied with her improvement, she resolves to execute her plan.
chapter 20
Miss Honey informs her class that Miss Trunchbull will be their educator again, cautioning them to remain respectful. On arrival, Miss Trunchbull belittles the children and quizzes them on multiplication tables. The frightened students can't respond correctly and one is hoisted by the ankle. Amid this, a piece of chalk begins to write on its own on the board. A lad named Nigel alerts everyone to this supernatural event. The chalk, suspended in the air, scripts a note from Magnus to Agatha demanding that Jenny's house be returned, else Magnus would come for her. Matilda's deep focus doesn't escape Miss Honey’s observation. The shocking events lead to Miss Trunchbull fainting. Nigel splashes water on her face to revive her. The school nurse and other teachers arrive to escort the unconscious Miss Trunchbull. Miss Honey ushers the students to the playground, giving Matilda a warm hug and kiss on her way out.
chapter 21
After regaining consciousness, Miss Trunchbull vacates the school and her house, never to be seen again. The Deputy Headmaster, Mr. Trilby, makes the shocking discovery. Meanwhile, Miss Honey finds a letter revealing her rightful inheritance of her father’s house and savings. Matilda climbs the ranks to the senior class at school and her mental powers seem to vanish. Miss Honey believes this could be due to Matilda's mental energies being put to use in meeting her academic challenges. One day, Matilda comes home to her family hurriedly packing for an unexpected departure to Spain, with no intention of returning. Confused and upset, Matilda seeks out Miss Honey, who reveals her father's illicit activities in the car theft business. Given the circumstances, Matilda decides she'd rather stay with Miss Honey. Upon asking her parents for permission, they surprisingly agree. As her family leaves, Matilda waves goodbye to her brother from the driveway.
