Lavender's Salamander Plan

This subplot follows Lavender’s bold attempt to embarrass Miss Trunchbull and the unintended chain of events her salamander sets in motion.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A New Helper's Ambition

Wanting to Be Brave Lavender volunteers to fetch the headmistress’s water jug and wants to make a memorable gesture. Inspiration Stories of Hortensia’s pranks and Matilda’s tricks feed her ambition. Consequence The water duty gives Lavender an opportunity to act, but also puts her friend at risk.

The Capture

A Salamander in a Pencil Case Lavender catches a salamander from her garden pond and keeps it in a damp pencil case. Planning She decides to slip it into the water jug before Miss Trunchbull arrives. Consequence A child’s daring idea becomes the trigger for a frightening classroom confrontation.

The Jug Prepared

The Hidden Passenger Lavender places the salamander and water plants in the jug assigned to Miss Trunchbull. Secrecy She keeps the scheme to herself, hoping to avoid blame. Consequence The headmistress enters unaware that her routine has been turned into a trap.

The Salamander Revealed

Panic at the Desk The salamander pours into Miss Trunchbull’s glass, startling the headmistress and pupils. Misplaced Blame Miss Trunchbull accuses Matilda, who had nothing to do with Lavender’s prank. Consequence Lavender’s plan sets off the injustice that provokes Matilda’s power.

A Secret Kept

Quiet Complicity Lavender retrieves the salamander after Miss Trunchbull flings it away, without confessing her role. Friendship Matilda faces the accusation alone, while Lavender remains silent. Consequence The prank creates both a shared danger and an unspoken strain between the girls.

Before Miss Trunchbull's first weekly lesson

The evening before the lesson

Shortly before the Thursday class

During Miss Trunchbull's first class visit

After the glass overturns