Roald Dahl's beloved novel Matilda is set in an unnamed small village in Buckinghamshire, England. While the story does not specify a particular town, it provides geographical context for its setting.
The Setting's Details
The narrative places Matilda Wormwood's early life in a quaint village within the historic county of Buckinghamshire. This location is described as:
- A small village: Emphasizing a close-knit, perhaps somewhat isolated, community feel.
- Geographical Proximity: Located approximately forty minutes by bus away from Reading and 8 miles from Aylesbury. These details provide a clear sense of the village's general area within the broader English landscape, grounding the whimsical tale in a recognizable region.
Why an Unnamed Village?
Roald Dahl often chose to set his stories in somewhat generic or ambiguously named locations, allowing the focus to remain on the fantastical elements, the characters, and the moral lessons within the narrative, rather than tying the story to a specific real-world place that might distract readers. This unnamed setting contributes to the timeless and universal appeal of Matilda's story.
Key Geographical Pointers
| Location Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| County | Buckinghamshire, England |
| Specific Place | An unnamed small village |
| Distance to Reading | Approximately 40 minutes by bus |
| Distance to Aylesbury | Approximately 8 miles |
This detailed description ensures that while the exact town isn't named, the reader gains a precise understanding of the fictional village's placement within the English countryside.
