Roald Dahl’s Matilda is lauded for its charming, clever protagonist and whimsical narrative style, captivating both young and adult readers. Critics praise its humor and underlying message of empowerment. However, some find certain characters' exaggerated cruelty unsettling. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for its imaginative storytelling and moral depth.

Readers who delight in witty, adventurous, and heartwarming stories featuring clever, resourceful children will treasure Matilda by Roald Dahl. Fans of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz and Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland will appreciate its blend of fantasy and charm.

In Roald Dahl’s Matilda, a brilliant young girl, unloved by her ignorant and selfish family, discovers she has telekinetic powers. She befriends her kind teacher, Miss Honey, and uses her abilities to stand up to the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, ultimately helping Miss Honey reclaim her rightful home. Themes of child abuse and neglect are present.

Playful / Humorous / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Adventurous

- Matilda was Roald Dahl's last longform children's book, published in 1988, just two years before his death in 1990.
- The book has been adapted into a successful film in 1996, a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical in 2013, and a 2022 Netflix adaptation titled Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.
- Matilda’s character was initially conceptualized as a wicked little girl, but Dahl changed her into a gifted and kind-hearted protagonist revising the story through the writing process.

Roald Dahl

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Matilda reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Matilda | SuperSummary

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Overview

Dahl’s tale about a girl with magic powers tells a deeper story about found family and resisting evil. Learn more with this summary of Matilda.

Matilda Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Get ready to explore Matilda and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Matilda Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-14

Matilda Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-21

Matilda Chapters 15-21 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Matilda Character Analysis

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Themes

Matilda Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Matilda Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Matilda Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Matilda Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Matilda Essay Topics

Introduction

Matilda Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Matilda Before Reading

During Reading

Matilda During Reading

After Reading

Matilda After Reading

Matilda

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Matilda?

Reading Age

Book Details