Matilda

What is Matilda?

In the first chapter of Matilda by Roald Dahl, we learn about Matilda’s parents and how badly they treat her. They don’t care for her, don’t notice how clever she is, and often speak to her in a rude way. Instead of encouraging her, they ignore her needs and spend their time watching television or thinking about money. Even though her parents don’t support her, Matilda is a very bright and independent girl. At a very young age, she picks up a cooking book and teaches herself how to make a meal. She surprises everyone with her ability to cook on her own. Matilda also develops a deep love for reading. Since her parents never buy her books, she decides to walk to the local library. There she meets the librarian, Mrs. Phelps. Matilda spends hours in the library, reading one book after another. Mrs. Phelps is amazed at how such a little girl can read and understand so many grown-up books. Soon, Matilda starts borrowing books from the library and takes them home to continue reading. Her world of stories and knowledge grows bigger every day, even though her parents still do not recognize her talent.

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