Matilda

by Hilaire Belloc(1870-1953)

Audio of the Poem Matilda

SummaryMatilda, a young girl who lived with her aunt used to tell lies and convince people through her lies. She once called the fire brigade of England saying hat her house was on fire when her aunt was not at home. The Fire Brigade came and realized that there was no fire they left. After a few weeks her aunt left her at home again as a punishment for lying. Then an actual fire caught the house and when Matilda cried for help, all the neighbours only said that she was a liar. It resulted in the death of Matilda.

Matilda with her auntMatilda lived with her aunt, who was a firm believer in truth

Matilda telephones fire fightersMatilda phoned "London's Noble Fire Brigade," and toldthem that her Aunt'shouse was burning down.

Within an hour the gallant band galloped, roaring through the town, 'Matilda's house is burning down !'Arrival of fire fighters

Fire fighters at Matildas homeThe Brigade came with water hoses and drenched everything including the paintings in the ballroom

Aunt convincing fire fighters

..Matilda's aunt succeeded In showing that they were not needed and even then she had to pay to get the men to go away !

Matildas house catches fireFire broke out at the home with Matilda alone. She cries of "Fire! Fire!. But the passers-by responded by saying "Little Liar!"

Aunt ReturnsAt last when her aunt returnedMatilda and the House, were burned

Moral of the poem The moral of this poem is "don't tell lies","a person once caught lieing will never be trusted again"

GlossaryFire brigade:/fa/ /bred/ ; fire fighting group

Frenzied: /fren.zid/ ; uncontrolled and excited, sometimes violente.g.The office was a scene of frenzied activity this morning.

Bawl: /bl/ ; to shout in a very loud voicee.g. She bawled at me to sit down.

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