A Contest of Power and Justice

Matilda

This conflict flow traces how the novel shifts power from adults who control children toward the child whose abilities expose and challenge their abuses.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Physical Power at Home Physical Power at Home from "Matilda". Adults Set the Terms Mr. Wormwood controls household decisions and insults Matilda, who is too small to confront him physically.

Physical Power at Home from "Matilda". Adults Set the Terms Mr. Wormwood controls household decisions and insults Matilda, who is too small to confront him physically.

Adults Set the Terms Mr. Wormwood controls household decisions and insults Matilda, who is too small to confront him physically. Inequality Her parents decide what she may read, watch, and do. Consequence Matilda must seek forms of resistance suited to a child’s limited power.

Practical Jokes Shift the Balance

Intelligence as Counterforce Matilda uses glue, a parrot, and hair dye to unsettle her father after he mistreats her. Limits The pranks offer temporary reversals, not a change in his character. Consequence Cleverness becomes her first tool against adult dominance.

A New Power Discovered A New Power Discovered from "Matilda". Anger Finds a Channel Matilda discovers telekinesis while being falsely blamed and threatened.

A New Power Discovered from "Matilda". Anger Finds a Channel Matilda discovers telekinesis while being falsely blamed and threatened.

Anger Finds a Channel Matilda discovers telekinesis while being falsely blamed and threatened. Shift The small pupil can affect a powerful adult without touching her. Consequence The balance of physical power begins to change, though Matilda does not yet know how to use her gift.

Power Trained for a Purpose Power Trained for a Purpose from "Matilda". Ability Becomes Intentional Matilda practices lifting and directing a cigar until she can control it in the air.

Power Trained for a Purpose from "Matilda". Ability Becomes Intentional Matilda practices lifting and directing a cigar until she can control it in the air.

Ability Becomes Intentional Matilda practices lifting and directing a cigar until she can control it in the air. Purpose Her preparation supports a plan to help Miss Honey. Consequence An extraordinary ability is turned from spontaneous reaction into deliberate action.

The Abuser Overthrown The Abuser Overthrown from "Matilda". Justice Reverses Authority Matilda makes chalk write in Marcus’s name, demanding that Miss Trunchbull return what she took from Miss Honey.

The Abuser Overthrown from "Matilda". Justice Reverses Authority Matilda makes chalk write in Marcus’s name, demanding that Miss Trunchbull return what she took from Miss Honey.

Justice Reverses Authority Matilda makes chalk write in Marcus’s name, demanding that Miss Trunchbull return what she took from Miss Honey. Outcome The headmistress faints and soon disappears. Consequence A child’s power exposes an adult’s wrongdoing and ends her immediate reign.

During Matilda's early childhood

Before Matilda starts school

During Miss Trunchbull's first class visit

The six days before the chalk lesson

During the later Thursday class