Matilda and Her Father

Matilda

This relationship flow traces the widening gulf between Matilda Wormwood and Mr. Wormwood as her moral judgment and independence clash with his authority.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Insults in Place of Guidance Insults in Place of Guidance from "Matilda". A Father's Contempt Mr. Wormwood calls Matilda stupid when she asks questions or requests books.

Insults in Place of Guidance from "Matilda". A Father's Contempt Mr. Wormwood calls Matilda stupid when she asks questions or requests books.

A Father's Contempt Mr. Wormwood calls Matilda stupid when she asks questions or requests books. Unequal Relationship He expects obedience while withholding respect. Consequence Matilda learns that her father’s confidence does not make his judgments reliable.

The Fraud Disclosed The Fraud Disclosed from "Matilda". A Moral Divide Mr. Wormwood proudly explains how he deceives used-car buyers, and Matilda calls the practice dishonest.

The Fraud Disclosed from "Matilda". A Moral Divide Mr. Wormwood proudly explains how he deceives used-car buyers, and Matilda calls the practice dishonest.

A Moral Divide Mr. Wormwood proudly explains how he deceives used-car buyers, and Matilda calls the practice dishonest. Rejection He threatens her with the fact that his profits support the household. Consequence Their conflict concerns not only manners but the values that govern family life.

The Book Destroyed The Book Destroyed from "Matilda". Contempt Becomes Destruction Mr. Wormwood tears apart a library book because Matilda keeps reading instead of watching television.

The Book Destroyed from "Matilda". Contempt Becomes Destruction Mr. Wormwood tears apart a library book because Matilda keeps reading instead of watching television.

Contempt Becomes Destruction Mr. Wormwood tears apart a library book because Matilda keeps reading instead of watching television. Response Matilda absorbs the shock without crying and plans a counterstroke. Consequence His attack confirms that intellectual independence will provoke him.

The Arithmetic Insult The Arithmetic Insult from "Matilda". Ability Denied Matilda calculates her father’s profit accurately, but he accuses her of cheating rather than accepting her skill.

The Arithmetic Insult from "Matilda". Ability Denied Matilda calculates her father’s profit accurately, but he accuses her of cheating rather than accepting her skill.

Ability Denied Matilda calculates her father’s profit accurately, but he accuses her of cheating rather than accepting her skill. Pattern He protects his authority by describing her competence as dishonesty. Consequence The child’s brilliance makes their relationship more antagonistic instead of earning respect.

A Final, Unsentimental Parting

A Daughter Left Behind Mr. Wormwood permits Matilda to stay with Miss Honey because he is in a hurry to leave. Emotional Distance He does not turn back as the car departs. Consequence The separation ends his daily power over Matilda without producing reconciliation.

Before Matilda's fifth birthday

During a conversation about his dealership

After the family dinner argument

During the profit exercise at home

At the family's departure for Spain