English 2033E Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Psychokinesis, Golden Syrup, Itching Powder
Document Summary
We end the course with roald dahl"s matilda, a novel published in 1988 that sums up the historical progression in children"s literature: Stage 1: moralistic literature upholding the authority of parents: little women (the march girls learn from marmee, who is always right), the princess and the goblin. And (b) literature that moves away from moralism, focusing on adventure and fun: Treasure island, peter pan, the hobbit (involves an escape from adult authority figures) Stage 3: (a) literature that explores the darker side of children: peter pan, harriet the spy (acknowledges that children can be selfish, heartless, lonely, depressed, or mean) And (b) literature that acknowledges the darker side of adults: harriet the spy, matilda, Dahl emphasizes that matilda is the underdog, solidifying our support for her even in actions the narrator admits are wrong. Throughout this novel, matilda lies, acts deceptively and does so from a motive of malice: she hates her parents and wants to see them suffer.
