A Magical Tale of Brilliance, Bullies, and Big Heart
Today’s Book-to-Movie spotlight features Matilda, the beloved story of a brilliant young girl who uses her wit—and a bit of magic—to stand up to bullies and find where she truly belongs.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda is a timeless tale that continues to captivate both readers and audiences today. Originally published in 1988, this children’s book introduces us to Matilda Wormwood, a gifted young girl with an exceptional intellect, a love for books, and some remarkable magical abilities. Unfortunately, Matilda’s gifts are overlooked by her self-centered parents. However, despite her challenging home environment, she finds support and compassion from one remarkable teacher, Miss Honey.
Upon its release, the novel immediately became a favorite in children’s literature, but its popularity skyrocketed with the 1996 film adaptation. The movie reflects the book’s whimsical charm and underlying message, which is that intelligence and kindness can overcome cruelty and injustice. Matilda speaks to children who feel a bit out of place, reminding them that they can make a tremendous impact.
Characterization and Relationships
In the book, Miss Honey, Matilda’s, teacher, is patient and reserved, often uncertain about standing up for herself. She lives in poverty, having escaped the control of Miss Trunchbull, the antagonist and bullying headmistress of Matilda’s school. However, she refuses to fight for the inheritance that’s rightfully hers. Her relationship with Matilda develops slowly, based on mutual trust and understanding. She tells Matilda the truth about her life, which inspires Matilda to use her powers to help her.
In the movie, Miss Honey is more visibly emotional, showing fear, warmth, and joy more expressively. Her poverty is shown more clearly (e.g. her tiny cottage), making her struggles more tangible. She takes more visible action to help Matilda and eventually stands up to Miss Trunchbull more directly. The movie version of Miss Honey adopts Matilda in the end, giving viewers a satisfying and clear resolution to their bond. In the book, this is implied rather than explicitly stated.
Does your child enjoy analyzing on a deeper level? Do you want them to understand the difference between explicit and implicit information? A Grade Ahead’s curriculum, such as that found in our 6th grade English program, explores these topics and more!
Tone
The tone also varies slightly between the book and the movie. While the novel maintains Dahl’s signature whimsical yet dry tone, the film incorporates more physical comedy and dramatization, particularly in the portrayal of the scary Miss Trunchbull. Furthermore, several characters are extended or altered for cinematic purposes. For example, the film devotes more screen time to Matilda’s parents, accentuating their evilness for comic effect. Despite the variations, both versions convey the same joyful message: being smart, kind, and brave is important.
Is your child ready to take their learning to the next level while still having fun? Do you want them to understand the difference between mood and tone? A Grade Ahead doesn’t forget about our older students, and we cover these topics and more in our 7th grade English program!
Similarities
Regardless of the differences, in both the book and the film, Matilda remains a magnificent kid who demonstrates that knowledge, courage, and kindness can triumph over cruelty and neglect. The novel concentrates on her inner life and intellect, whereas the film stresses magic, emotion, and visual narrative. Both versions glorify her as a hero, albeit in slightly different ways.
Did you know that compare and contrast is just one of the many topics covered in our English program at A Grade Ahead? We cover this topic as early as 4th grade! Take a free assessment today to get started with our enrichment classes!
What do you think? Have you read or watched Matilda? Do you prefer the book or the movie? Let us know which book-turned-movie we should explore next in the comments!
Looking for even more? Summer is here! Call or visit one of our academies nationwide to learn about what we can offer you, such as our enrichment camps! Why wait to start your child’s educational adventure?
Author: Pamela Crum, Teacher Coordinator at A Grade Ahead
