Mary Shelley’s Mathilda vs. Roald Dahl’s Matilda: A Random Mismatched Match-up.

My distracted mind is of no use in the book store when I am rushing through my day.

I saw a book with a title close enough to the book I intended to buy. And of course got it wildly wrong.

Mary Shelley’s novella “Mathilda” is not to be confused with Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ and the glorious Mrs Trunchball. Oh no. Don’t get them confused. Especially when its a birthday present for a 10 year old niece.

Although of course this situation does have my mind wandering around the possibility of creating a stitch story of both!

Mary Shelley’s novella “Mathilda” is a lesser-known work compared to “Frankenstein,” but it’s nonetheless significant, especially in the context of early Gothic literature and its influence on the romance genre. 

“Mathilda” was written in 1819–1820, shortly after the death of Shelley’s husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and explores themes of grief, guilt, and taboo love.

When studying the book, after enjoying learning more about Mary Shelley and her era, I discovered that some scholars described the work as dealing with the common romantic themes of incest and suicide.

I’m not sure if the use of the word ‘common’ is really appropriate here. I rarely view romance fiction as a suicide pact after kissing my dad. But times change and we all have different needs.

Matilda by Roald Dahl has no suicide or dad kissing, but it does have the little girl using her secret powers to fling things around the class room much to the dismay and anger of the battle axe teacher.

I suppose you could shoehorn a comparison of family turmoil into any reflection of both stories. But one is more colourful than the other. And you know which one if you have seen the film at least.

In “Mathilda,” by Shelley, the titular character recounts her tragic life story in a series of letters addressed to a close friend. Mathilda’s father, who is consumed by grief over the death of his wife, becomes increasingly obsessed with his daughter, leading to an inappropriate and ultimately destructive relationship between them. The novella delves into the complexities of paternal love, incestuous desire, and the psychological consequences of forbidden passion.

“Mathilda” is often categorized as a work of Gothic fiction due to its dark and brooding atmosphere, as well as its exploration of taboo subjects. However, it also contains elements of romance, particularly in its portrayal of Mathilda’s yearning for love and redemption despite the tragic circumstances of her life. The novella’s themes of love and longing, intertwined with elements of horror and despair, foreshadow the romantic sensibilities that would come to define the Gothic romance genre in the decades that followed.

While “Mathilda” was not published during Shelley’s lifetime, it has garnered renewed interest in recent years as scholars and readers alike explore the full breadth of her literary contributions beyond “Frankenstein.”

In fact now I am typing these words out loud I am thinking maybe they are both dark stories and yet only one author was more creative when colouring in the darkness. 

Let’s face it, Roald Dahl had a way with words and was super poetic with his silliness. Shelley didn’t even try to hide her gloom. You know the type of person you avoid at a party or hide behind the curtain and don’t answer the door when they call?

Mary Shelley’s Mathilda: A dark and brooding tale of forbidden love and familial turmoil. Gloomy moors and shadowy manors, perfect for contemplating existential dread. A tortured soul haunted by familial secrets, embracing melancholy like it’s going out of style. Society’s stifling norms and her own inner demons, which make everyday life feel like a Gothic novel. A distant father and an absent mother, leaving Mathilda to navigate the murky waters of loneliness and longing. Love, loss, and the crushing weight of existential despair. More brooding than a rainy day in a graveyard, with a dash of melodrama for good measure.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda: A whimsical adventure of a precocious little girl with extraordinary powers. Colourful classrooms and a candy-coated library, where mischief meets magic. A pint-sized powerhouse armed with wit, wisdom, and the occasional telekinetic tantrum. The tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, whose towering stature is matched only by her towering temper. The lovable but clueless Wormwoods, whose ignorance is only surpassed by their hilariously awful parenting skills. Friendship, courage, and the triumph of intelligence over ignorance. Brighter than a rainbow on a sunny day, sprinkled with laughter and just a hint of mischief.

Mary Shelley’s Mathilda and Roald Dahl’s Matilda might share a name, but that’s about where the similarities end. One’s a Gothic tragedy dripping with solemnity, while the other’s a whimsical romp bursting with charm. 

So, if you’re in the mood for a good cry, go with Mathilda. 

But if you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud adventure, Matilda’s your girl!

In fact lets compare some scenes just to get your juices flowing or tears dripping which ever mood you’re in.

1. Tea Time Troubles:

• Mathilda: Mathilda broodingly sips tea in a dimly lit parlour, contemplating the futility of existence as rain drums against the windowpanes.

• Matilda: Matilda sits at the kitchen table, using her telekinetic powers to pour her own tea, hands free, while her oblivious parents argue over the latest reality TV show.

2. Library Adventures:

• Mathilda: Mathilda explores a dusty, cobweb-covered library, discovering her father’s old journals filled with cryptic passages about lost love and existential dread.

• Matilda: Matilda gleefully wreaks havoc in the school library, sending books flying with a flick of her finger while Miss Trunchbull cowers in fear.

3. Family Dinners:

• Mathilda: Mathilda stares into the abyss of her dinner plate as her father drones on about the futility of life, the universe, and everything in between.

• Matilda: Matilda’s family dinner consists of her father bragging about his latest get-rich-quick scheme while her mother burns the roast to a crisp, unaware that Matilda’s secretly swapping their dessert spoons with magnets.

4. School-yard Showdown:

• Mathilda: Mathilda stands alone in the school-yard, lost in existential angst, while her classmates avoid her like she’s the plague.

• Matilda: Matilda stands up to Miss Trunchbull, using her telekinetic powers to turn the tables (quite literally) on the tyrannical headmistress, much to the awe of her classmates.

5. Bedtime Reflections:

• Mathilda: Mathilda lies in bed, staring at the ceiling, contemplating the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of death.

• Matilda: Matilda lies in bed, plotting her next prank to teach her parents a lesson about neglect, all while dreaming of a world where children rule and broccoli is outlawed.

In Mary Shelley’s Mathilda, every scene is a brooding meditation on the human condition, while in Roald Dahl’s Matilda, chaos and laughter reign supreme.

The novella by Mary Shelley opens with Mathilda reflecting on the death of her mother, who died shortly after giving birth to her. This event casts a shadow over Mathilda’s life and sets the tone for the rest of the story.

That’s a tough start to a book.

Particularly when considering Matilda by Dahl began with her being born to hapless parents who celebrated, not the birth of the baby girl, but the fact that they were actually capable of making a baby at all!

Mary Shelly as a classical writer doesnt try to hide the emotions and drama she is trying to create, with a gloomy approach whereas Dahl in my opinion mixes it all in with more creativity.

Consider Shelley’s version of forbidden love. Mathilda harbours romantic feelings for her father, who is grief-stricken over the loss of his wife (Mathilda’s mother). This forbidden love creates a sense of emotional turmoil and psychological distress for Mathilda.

Isolation and Loneliness – Mathilda grows up in isolation, living with her father in remote and desolate locations. She lacks companionship and social interaction, which deepens her sense of loneliness and despair.

Rejection by her Father – When Mathilda confesses her love to her father, he reacts with horror and disgust, rejecting her and ultimately abandoning her. This rejection intensifies Mathilda’s feelings of worthlessness and drives her further into despair.

Suicidal Thoughts – Mathilda experiences intense emotional pain and contemplates suicide as a means of escaping her suffering. She describes feeling disconnected from the world and expresses a desire to end her life to escape her inner torment.

Desperate Search for Redemption – Despite her father’s rejection, Mathilda continues to long for his love and approval. She embarks on a desperate search for redemption, hoping to reconcile with him and find solace in their fractured relationship.

These dark moments in “Mathilda” underscore the novella’s exploration of themes such as grief, love, isolation, and existential despair. Mary Shelley’s poignant portrayal of Mathilda’s inner turmoil and emotional anguish leaves a lasting impact on readers, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and the consequences of forbidden desires.

And then in contrast to the above version of Mathilda, we have Dahl who goes a bit more dad joke style. But no dad kissing.

Matilda’s clever and mischievous use of her telekinetic powers is one of the highlights of Roald Dahl’s beloved story. Here are some scenes where Matilda uses her powers:

1. Moving Objects: Matilda first discovers her telekinetic abilities when she’s frustrated with her father and makes a glass of water tip over just by staring at it.

2. School Pranks: Matilda uses her powers to play pranks on the intimidating headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. One notable instance is when she causes the Trunchbull’s hat to fly off her head during an assembly, making it seem like the ghost of Miss Honey’s father is haunting her.

3. Saving Bruce: Matilda helps her classmate Bruce Bogtrotter (isn’t this a fantastic name?) by telekinetic-ally making a slice of chocolate cake float into the air and land on Miss Trunchbull’s face, distracting her long enough for Bruce to escape punishment.

4. The Chalk Incident: Matilda writes a message on the blackboard using her powers, pretending it’s the ghost of Miss Honey’s father sending a warning to the Trunchbull.

5. The Classroom Miracle: Matilda secretly solves an advanced maths problem on the board using her powers, impressing her teacher and classmates.

6. Household Help: Matilda uses her powers to help her friend Lavender retrieve her lost newt from the Trunchbull’s house by causing the key to the garage to drop into their hands.

Matilda’s, in Dahl style, resourcefulness and determination, coupled with her supernatural abilities, make for some wonderfully entertaining and empowering moments throughout the story. And not once did she kiss her dad. Even when it was the adorable Danny Devito in the film adaptation. So she has true resolve too.

So to conclude. This isn’t much of a literary experience I am fully aware. But it amused me and so I shared.

Choose your Matilda wisely this weekend.