Mr. Wormwood: A Failure in Masculinity

Images and expectations of masculinity surround us in every aspect of life. These ideas are fed to the individual by society from the very earliest stages of socialization. Even children are indirectly taught about categorizing men into a hierarchy of masculinities. This is evident in the books and novels children read. One such novel is Roald Dahl's Matilda. In telling the story of an extraordinarily intelligent young girl, Dahl introduces the character of her father, …

…Matilda, Dahl develops a character that is a failure in masculinity. He is not a true provider, procreator or protector. By creating a worthless character, Dahl demonstrates what traits are valued and considered masculine. Simply through the lack of these characteristics, Dahl demonstrates to all readers establishes what a failure in masculinity is and thereby creates a criteria for what a success in masculinity would be. Source: Dahl, Roald. Matilda. Great Britain. Jonathon Cape Ltd. 1988.