Scene 7

Question 1

I’ve got a newt in my knickers!

Answer 1

Well. That was interesting. I think we’d all better go home. While we still can.
(pause)
Matilda?

Question 2

I moved with my eyes. Am I strange?

Answer 2

Would you fancy a nice cup of tea?

Question 3

What do you think it is? This thing with my eyes?

Answer 3

I… can’t pretend that I know, Matilda. But I don’t believe we should be frightened of it. I think it’s something to do with that incredible mind of yours.

Question 4

You mean, there’s no room in my head for all my brains, so they have to squish out through my eyes?

Answer 4

Well, not exactly but, yes, something like that. You certainly are a special girl Matilda. I met your mother. She’s… Unusual. What about your father? Is he proud to have a daughter as clever as you?

Question 5

That’s not true, Miss Honey. He’s not proud at all. He calls me a liar and a cheat and a nasty little creep.

Answer 5

I see.
(pause)
Here we are; home, sweet home.

Question 6

Are you poor?

Answer 6

Yes. Yes, I am. Very.

Question 7

Don’t they pay teachers very much?

Answer 7

Well, they don’t, actually. But I am even poor than most, because of… other reasons. I used to live with my aunt. But one day I was out walking and I came across this old shed — I fell completely in love with it. I ran to the farmer and begged him to let me move in. He thought I was mad! But he agreed and I’ve lived here ever since.

Question 8

But Miss Honey, you can’t live in a shed!

Answer 8

I’m not strong like you, Matilda. My father died when I was young. Magnus was his name and he was very kind. But when he was gone, my aunt became my legal guardian. She was mean and cruel like you can hardly imagine. And then when I got my job as a teacher, she presented me with a bill for looking after me all those years. And she made me sign a contract to pay her back every penny. She even produced a document that said my father had given her his entire house.

Question 9

But did he really do that? Just give her his house

Answer 9

I find it hard to believe. Just like I cannot believe that he would have… Killed himself, which is what she said happened.

Question 10

You think she… did him in, don’t you, Miss Honey?

Answer 10

I… cannot say, Matilda. All I know is that years of being bullied by that woman made me… well, pathetic; I was trapped.

Question 11

Let’s go to the police!

Answer 11

What? We can’t, we have no evidence. Besides my aunt is a much respected—

Question 12

1 Who is she?!

Answer 12

I can’t say…

Question 13

2 Who is she?!

Answer 13

Matilda, I can’t—

Question 14

3 Who is she?!

Answer 14

It’s… it’s… Miss—

Question 15

Miss Trunchbull?

Answer 15

Yes.