69 pages • 2 hours read
Roald DahlMatilda
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Introduction
Teacher Introduction
Matilda
- Genre: Fiction; fantasy; children's literature
- Originally Published: 1988
- Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 840L; grades 3-5
- Structure/Length: 21 chapters; approximately 256 pages; approximately 4 hours, 18 minutes on audio
- Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist, Matilda Wormwood, is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. She faces neglect and cruelty from her family and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, of her school. Matilda’s central conflict involves using her intellect and powers to stand up for herself and her friends, bringing about justice for those wronged by Miss Trunchbull.
- Potential Sensitivity Issues: Child neglect and abuse; bullying; depictions of cruel and violent behavior by adults towards children; violence including murder (backstory; alluded to by character); mention of suicide; name-calling and insults
Roald Dahl, Author
- Bio: Born in 1916; died in 1990; British novelist, short story writer, poet, and screenwriter; popular children’s author; known for wit, dark humor, and imaginative plots; often featured children overcoming villainous adults
- Other Works: James and the Giant Peach (1961); Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964); The BFG (1982); The Witches (1983)
- Awards: The 1988 Winner of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Award
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:
- Kids Are Worthwhile
- Pushing Back Against Evil
- Finding a New Family
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:
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