Matilda’s Powers Explained & Where They Came From

While Matilda proves charming in its portrait of a bright young girl who gains magical powers, the extent and origin of these powers isn’t necessarily clear. Roald Dahl’s Matilda is widely considered one of the greatest children’s books ever written. Not only has the novel sold over 17 million copies, it has also seen two major films which are now considered among the best Roald Dahl movies. The story follows young Matilda Wormwood, a clever, book-loving young girl who finds herself neglected and abused at home and school, until she discovers magical powers that allow her to turn the tables on the cruel authority figures in her life.