Matilda

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Born in Wales in 1916, author Roald Dahl created many beloved characters in children’s literature, from the eccentric Willy Wonka to the benevolent Big Friendly Giant. List the titles of Dahl’s books. Think about Dahl’s plots and characters; what are some of the common themes and subjects in Dahl’s writing? Why do you think his books have such long-lasting popularity?

Teaching Suggestion: Many students likely will have had some exposure to Roald Dahl’s work, whether as books or films. Pairs or small groups, working together, may be able to name quite a few of his stories. Students may want to discuss that Dahl is the author behind several books turned into popular films, beyond Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, including: The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Witches. One of the most important themes in Dahl’s body of work is Kids Are Worthwhile; students might discuss how Dahl’s stories or other stories with which they are familiar prove the truth in this theme.

• CBC Kids News’ “The Life and Legacy of Children’s Author Roald Dahl” provides an overview of Dahl’s legacy.
• BBC Archive’s “1982: Roald Dahl’s Writing Shed” is a 12-minute video that gives viewers a peek into Dahl’s writing process, as the author takes them on a tour of the garden hut where he did most of his writing.

Differentiation Suggestion: For advanced classes that might benefit from higher-level discussions concerning contentious and/or controversial subjects, the topic of the recent re-writing of Dahl’s books might be addressed. In “Roald Dahl Books Rewritten to Remove Language Deemed Offensive,” The Guardian describes how, in 2023, Dahl’s primary publisher decided to re-write certain sections of his books, in order to make them less offensive to modern-day audiences. Students might discuss with rationale whether or not they agree with revisions like these. (Registration may be needed to view source.)

2. What is a “chosen family” or a “found family”? Discuss what some of the likely qualities are in a “chosen family.”

Teaching Suggestion: The concept of “chosen” or “found” family refers to close kinship ties with non-relatives (friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc.). Students might reflect upon close friends, classmates, or neighbors who are important to them, thus forming a kind of “chosen family.” If explanations and traits of “chosen” or “found” families may be sensitive to those in the class, students instead might brainstorm and discuss literary, TV, or film characters who have a “chosen family” such as Harry Potter or Din Djarin in The Mandalorian.

• In “Expanding the Definition of Family to Reflect Our Realities,” The Conversation explores how, in modern times, the definition of “family” includes more types of relationships.
• The New York Times’ Student Opinion piece entitled “Who Is in Your Chosen Family?” asks students to read the article “Tell Us About Your Chosen Family” and then respond to a series of questions about who they consider to be their “chosen family.” (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing without teacher guidance due to mature content.)

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

At the 2008 United Nations Climate Change Conference, then-15-year-old Greta Thunberg stated to the crowd: “The first thing I have learned is that you are never too small to make a difference.” Have there been times when, as a young person, you felt “too small” to make a difference? If you were able to, how did you overcome this feeling? What strategies might you suggest to someone who feels “too small” to make a difference?

Teaching Suggestion: As Matilda shows throughout the novel, the power, intelligence, and unique perspective of young people should not be discounted by adults. Greta Thunberg’s quote might offer the chance to connect to the theme of Pushing Back Against Evil, particularly regarding young people who are often dismissed or overlooked for being “too small.” 

• UN Climate Change’s “Greta Thunberg at COP24: ‘You Are Never Too Small to Make a Difference’” is a brief video clip in which Greta offers this message.
• Thunberg talks about the advantage of youth in The Guardian’s “Greta Thunberg: Teenager on a Global Mission to ‘Make a Difference.’” (Registration may be needed to view.)