Symbols
Matilda’s Telekinesis Power
Matilda’s telekinetic powers transcend mere magical ability, evolving into a potent symbol of childhood frustration and the yearning for justice. Fueled by the unfair treatment she faces at home and school, Matilda's telekinesis becomes a quasi-agency against forces she cannot directly confront.
The link between her power and pent-up frustration is undeniable. Witnessing her parents' neglect, enduring Miss Trunchbull's cruelty, and being denied intellectual stimulation, Matilda's anger manifests in the ability to move objects with her mind. The tipping of the water glass with the newt onto Miss Trunchbull is a fierce rebellion against an oppressive figure who represents everything unfair in her world.
Miss Honey offers a fascinating interpretation, suggesting that Matilda's powers stem from an "understimulated mind." Being intellectually starved in lower classes, Matilda's brain seeks an outlet for its exceptional capacity. This explanation adds a layer of depth, highlighting the power of intellectual engagement and the dangers of stifling a child's potential.
Throughout the story, Matilda utilizes her powers to right wrongs. She exposes Miss Trunchbull’s deceit by writing on the blackboard with chalk. These acts are more than pranks; they represent a child challenging an unjust and power-hungry adult, using the only weapon at her disposal.
The story even shows how Matilda's powers are not permanent. As she finds a nurturing environment with Miss Honey and is sufficiently challenged intellectually, her telekinesis gradually fades. This signifies a shift in need—her anger subsides and is replaced by happiness and engagement.
The loss of Matilda’s telekinetic powers shows the transformative power of a supportive environment and intellectual stimulation. It isn’t portrayed as a regression but as a transition from a frustrated child to one empowered by knowledge and love.
Books
Books are a powerful symbol of escape, knowledge, and empowerment for the young protagonist. Confined by a neglectful and dreary home life, books become Matilda's portal to a world beyond her limited reality.
Mrs. Phelps, the kind librarian, recognizes this thirst and encourages Matilda to explore, even when she doesn't fully comprehend the text. This nurturing environment allows Matilda to blossom intellectually, fostering a love of learning that Miss Trunchbull, the embodiment of stifling authority, cannot comprehend.
Miss Trunchbull's reaction to Matilda's advanced vocabulary and knowledge of classics like "Nicholas Nickleby" is telling. She scoffs at the idea, dismissing it as a lie. This highlights the limitations imposed by authority figures who seek to control and confine children within narrow expectations.
Books become symbolic weapons in Matilda's fight against oppression. They equip her with the knowledge and confidence to stand up for herself and challenge the injustices she faces. By immersing herself in literature, Matilda not only escapes her reality but also empowers herself to create a better future. The message resonates: books offer not just escape but the tools to navigate the complexities of the world.
Miss Honey’s Cottage
Miss Honey's dilapidated cottage stands as a powerful symbol against adult oppression and a yearning for independence from an abusive household. Despite its dim lighting and meager furnishings, Miss Honey cherishes her small space. This seemingly impractical choice speaks volumes about her quiet strength and resilience. Here, she escapes the suffocating control of Miss Trunchbull.
The cottage, despite its cramped space and meager furnishings, represents her freedom and her right to self-determination. It becomes a sanctuary where she proves that even in the face of hardship, she can create her own haven of peace and autonomy. While Miss Honey's outward demeanor might be timid, her choice to live in the cottage reveals a hidden strength and resilience. Living independently, even in these challenging circumstances, signifies her refusal to be controlled and her determination to carve out her own path.
