Matilda Symbolism, Imagery & Allegory

In Matilda, books are gateways. They're escapes. Matilda latches onto them as soon as she can, and starts reading as though her life depends on it. First the library is her escape from her family l...

When you hear the words "chocolate cake," you probably think, "Yum!" not, "Ah yes, the cake, a clear literary symbol." Well, in Matilda, it's both. A delicious chocolate cake makes such an importan...

Both the narrator and Miss Honey refer to what Matilda can do with her powers as "miracles." When Miss Honey first hears Matilda explain that she tipped over a glass with her mind, she says, "'If y...

The newt is a major player in one of the book's main pranks, though it's one that doesn't involve Matilda. Lavender catches one and hides it in the Trunchbull's drinking water, and then when the Tr...