Learning from Matilda: How Bravery and Intelligence Can Change the World by Evelyn
Evelyn's entry into Varsity Tutor's October 2025 scholarship contest
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Learning from Matilda: How Bravery and Intelligence Can Change the World by Evelyn - October 2025 Scholarship Essay
One of the most inspiring fictional characters I have learned from is Matilda Wormwood, the main character in Matilda by Roald Dahl. Matilda is an optimistic and curious young girl who has an extraordinary love for reading and learning. Sadly, her parents fail to recognize her intelligence and creativity, often mistreating her. At school, she also faces challenges from Miss Trunchbull, a heartless and harsh headmistress who uses fear to control her students. Despite all these hardships, Matilda never gives up or allows others to define her worth. Instead, she depends on her cleverness, perseverance, and understanding of right and wrong to overcome the barriers in her life.
The most important lesson I have learned from Matilda is to believe in yourself and use your skills to make a positive difference, even when others doubt you. Matilda demonstrates that knowledge, kindness, and courage can be far more powerful than cruelty or injustice. Instead of reacting to injustice with revenge, she uses her intelligence and creativity to stand up for what is right. For example, she finds thoughtful and clever ways to challenge Miss Trunchbull’s control and protect those who are too afraid to defend themselves. Matilda also supports her gentle teacher, Miss Honey, in finding both happiness and independence, emphasizing the powerful impact of kindness.
Matilda’s story teaches that true strength does not come from physical power or authority but from confidence, kindness, and the courage to stay true to yourself. She reminds readers that everyone has something special within them, and it is our responsibility to use our gifts to help others and make the world a better place. Whenever I think about Matilda, I am reminded that even small acts of bravery and compassion can create significant change. Her story motivates me to face challenges with confidence and to never undervalue the power of learning, imagination, and kindness in shaping a more optimistic future.