By Yana BondarchukWed. 17 Apr. 20243min Read

Our Favourite Matilda Quotes

"Matilda" by Roald Dahl tells the story of a young girl with exceptional intelligence and telekinetic powers.
Our Favourite Matilda Quotes

If you are a fan of charming and inspiring children’s literature, you may already be enchanted by Roald Dahl's delightful tale, "Matilda." Below, we explore some of our team's favorite quotes from this cherished story.

"Matilda" is a novel by Roald Dahl, first published in 1988. It has become one of Dahl’s most beloved works and continues to capture the hearts of young readers and adults alike. Set in a small English village, the novel follows the young Matilda Wormwood, a brilliant and kind-hearted girl who uses her extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome obstacles caused by her neglectful parents and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. The book celebrates themes of bravery, the love of reading, and the power of individuality, making it a timeless story of triumph against adversity.

 

"Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world." – Matilda Wormwood


quotes


This inspiring quote from Matilda captures the essence of Dahl’s message about the potential within every individual, especially children. As someone who believes deeply in the transformative power of self-belief and education, "Matilda" resonates with me for its celebration of these themes.

"Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog." – Miss Trunchbull



Miss Trunchbull’s harsh and absurd standards starkly contrast with the kindness of other characters, illustrating Dahl's talent for creating memorable and larger-than-life antagonists. This quote always reminds me of the vivid characterizations that make Dahl's books so engaging.

"I'm wondering what to read next." – Matilda Wormwood



Matilda's love for reading is central to her character and to the novel’s celebration of learning. Her voracious appetite for books inspired me as a child and continues to inspire young readers to discover the joy of reading.

"The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives." – Narrator



This reflection on the power of books speaks directly to the heart of every book lover. Dahl's acknowledgment of reading as an escape and a form of adventure is something that has always resonated deeply with me.

"If you are good, life is good." – Matilda Wormwood



Matilda's simple yet profound observation reflects her innate sense of justice and morality, themes that are explored throughout Dahl’s works. This line encourages a reflection on the rewards of virtuous living.

"With frightening suddenness he now began ripping the pages out of the book in handfuls and throwing them in the waste-paper basket." – Narrator, about Mr. Wormwood



This shocking moment is a testament to Dahl's ability to depict cruelty in a way that emphasizes the value of what is being destroyed—in this case, the sanctity of books and the freedom to learn.

"You chose books, I chose looks." – Mrs. Wormwood



Mrs. Wormwood's superficial values provide a stark contrast to Matilda's intellectual pursuits, highlighting Dahl's critique of materialism and a shallow understanding of success.

"All the reading she had done had given her a view of life that they had never seen." – Narrator



This quote underscores the theme that education broadens one's horizons far beyond the limitations of one's immediate environment. It’s a testament to the empowering effect of knowledge.

"I'm right and you're wrong, I'm big and you're small, and there's nothing you can do about it." – Miss Trunchbull



Miss Trunchbull's tyrannical declaration captures the abuse of power, a critical theme in "Matilda." This line has always struck me as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice.

"A girl should think about making herself look attractive so she can get a good husband later on. Looks is more important than books, Miss Hunky..." – Mrs. Wormwood



This quote highlights the outdated and misguided values that Matilda confronts. Dahl’s portrayal of such contrasting viewpoints serves as a critique of societal norms that undervalue intellectual achievements.

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If you liked this collection of quotes, you will also like our list of classic romance novels, available to read about, download and to import to PDF Reader Pro, right here on our blog. 

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