These questions provide a comprehensive basis for discussing the musical Matilda, encouraging students to think critically about character development, themes, plot, setting, and moral lessons.
Characters and Relationships
- How do Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood’s values contrast with Matilda’s?
- What motivates Miss Trunchbull’s harsh treatment of the students at Crunchem Hall?
- How does Miss Honey’s relationship with Matilda differ from her relationship with other students?
- What are the key differences between Matilda’s parents and Miss Honey in terms of how they treat Matilda?
- How does Matilda’s relationship with her classmates evolve throughout the musical?
- How does Miss Honey’s past influence her actions and decisions in the present?
- What is the significance of the relationship between Matilda and the librarian, Mrs. Phelps?
Themes
- How is the theme of intelligence and education explored in Matilda?
- In what ways does the musical address the concept of family and belonging?
- What does the story of Matilda suggest about the importance of kindness and empathy?
- How is the theme of rebellion against injustice portrayed in the story?
- How does the musical explore the idea of self-discovery and identity?
- What role does the theme of imagination and creativity play in Matilda’s story?
- How is the theme of courage and resilience depicted through the characters’ experiences?
- In what ways does Matilda address the concept of authority and power?
Plot and Events
- What are the key events that lead Matilda to use her powers for good?
- How does Matilda’s storytelling impact her own story and those around her?
- What significance does Matilda’s story about the escapologist and the acrobat have on the plot?
- How does Matilda’s first day at Crunchem Hall set the stage for the conflicts in the musical?
- What is the importance of the song “Revolting Children” in the overall plot?
- How does Miss Trunchbull’s downfall come about, and what does it signify?
- How do the various pranks Matilda plays on her family illustrate her character?
- What role does the cake-eating scene with Bruce Bogtrotter play in the story?
- What are the major turning points in Miss Honey’s character development?
- How does the final arrangement for Matilda’s living situation resolve the central conflicts? How does it fit into the musical’s themes?
Setting and Atmosphere
- What role do the various locations (school, library, Miss Honey’s cottage) play in shaping the story?
- How does the contrast between the Wormwood home and Miss Honey’s cottage influence the plot?
- How does the setting of Crunchem Hall contribute to the characters’ sense of oppression and rebellion?
- How does the setting influence the characters’ decisions and actions?
- What role does the atmosphere of the library play in Matilda’s development?
- How does the use of fairy tale elements and settings impact the plot and character interactions?
Morality and Ethics
- What moral dilemmas do the characters face, and how do they resolve them?
- What does the story suggest about the consequences of bullying and abuse of power?
- How do the characters’ actions reflect their moral values and principles?
- What role does the idea of standing up for what is right play in the characters’ decisions?
- What ethical lessons can viewers learn from the characters’ experiences and choices?
- How does the story address the importance of empathy and of understanding others’ perspectives?