Dr. Magnus Honey/Miss Honey’s Father Character Analysis in Matilda

Miss Honey’s father died when Miss Honey was five years old. He died under mysterious circumstances: though his death was ruled a suicide, he was thought of as being too happy a person to kill himself. When his wife died three years before him, he’d asked his sister-in-law, Miss Trunchbull, to come live with him and help care for young Miss Honey—and upon his death, Miss Trunchbull assumed control of his home, his fortune, and his daughter. And since his will mysteriously disappeared (and a letter appeared, supposedly from him, leaving everything to Miss Trunchbull), Miss Honey has no way to take what she and Matilda believe is rightfully hers. When Matilda discovers that Miss Trunchbull has abused Miss Honey her entire life, she uses her power to make it seem like Magnus’s ghost is writing on the blackboard. She makes him scold Miss Trunchbull and tell her to give Miss Honey back her house.

Dr. Magnus Honey/Miss Honey’s Father Character Timeline in Matilda

The timeline below shows where the character Dr. Magnus Honey/Miss Honey’s Father appears in Matilda. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...more tea, and then Miss Honey begins her story. She says she’s only 23. Her father was a doctor and they lived in a nice big, brick house. Then, her mother... (full context)

Matilda asks how Miss Honey’s father died. Miss Honey says it’s all very mysterious; her father didn’t seem like the sort... (full context)

Matilda asks if Miss Honey’s father really intended for the aunt to own the house. Miss Honey says he no doubt... (full context)

...an idea, and she has three questions. First, what did Miss Trunchbull call Miss Honey’s father? Then, what did he call Miss Trunchbull? And finally, what did they call Miss Honey?... (full context)

...doing this in a shout. But the chalk keeps writing. It writes that this is Magnus—and at this, Miss Honey glances at Matilda. Matilda’s eyes look like glittering stars. Then, “Magnus”... (full context)

...following morning, Miss Honey receives a letter from local lawyers saying that they’ve found her father’s will. The house belongs to her, along with her father’s lifetime savings. She should contact... (full context)