Matilda Who told Lies, and was Burned to Death
Hilaire Belloc
1870 to 1953
Matilda told such Dreadful Lies,
It made one Gasp and Stretch one's Eyes;
Her Aunt, who, from her Earliest Youth,
Had kept a Strict Regard for Truth,
Attempted to Believe Matilda:
The effort very nearly killed her,
And would have done so, had not She
Discovered this Infirmity.
For once, towards the Close of Day,
Matilda, growing tired of play,
And finding she was left alone,
Went tiptoe to the Telephone
And summoned the Immediate Aid
Of London's Noble Fire-Brigade.
Within an hour the Gallant Band
Were pouring in on every hand,
From Putney, Hackney Downs, and Bow.
With Courage high and Hearts a-glow,
They galloped, roaring through the Town,
'Matilda's House is Burning Down!'
Inspired by British Cheers and Loud
Proceeding from the Frenzied Crowd,
They ran their ladders through a score
Of windows on the Ball Room Floor;
And took Peculiar Pains to Souse
The Pictures up and down the House,
Until Matilda's Aunt succeeded
In showing them they were not needed;
And even then she had to pay
To get the Men to go away,
It happened that a few Weeks later
Her Aunt was off to the Theatre
To see that Interesting Play
The Second Mrs. Tanqueray.
She had refused to take her Niece
To hear this Entertaining Piece:
A Deprivation Just and Wise
To Punish her for Telling Lies.
That Night a Fire did break out--
You should have heard Matilda Shout!
You should have heard her Scream and Bawl,
And throw the window up and call
To People passing in the Street--
(The rapidly increasing Heat
Encouraging her to obtain
Their confidence) -- but all in vain!
For every time she shouted 'Fire!'
They only answered 'Little Liar!'
And therefore when her Aunt returned,
Matilda, and the House, were Burned.
Hilaire Belloc's Matilda Who told Lies, and was Burned to Death
Hilaire Belloc's cautionary poem "Matilda Who told Lies, and was Burned to Death" presents a darkly humorous yet moralistic tale that serves as a warning against dishonesty. Through its narrative structure, rhyme scheme, and vivid imagery, Belloc crafts a memorable poem that explores themes of truth, consequences, and the dangers of crying wolf.
The poem follows a simple narrative arc, beginning with an introduction to Matilda's propensity for lying and ending with her tragic demise. This straightforward storytelling approach, combined with the poem's consistent rhyming couplets, creates a sing-song quality reminiscent of children's nursery rhymes. However, the light-hearted tone contrasts sharply with the poem's gruesome subject matter, creating a sense of irony that underscores the severity of Matilda's actions.
Belloc's use of capitalization throughout the poem serves multiple purposes. It emphasizes key words and phrases, giving them added weight and importance. This technique also lends a mock-heroic tone to the piece, elevating mundane elements like "Telephone" and "Fire-Brigade" to a level of exaggerated significance. This stylistic choice contributes to the poem's overall satirical nature, poking fun at societal norms and expectations while delivering its moral message.
The character of Matilda's aunt serves as a foil to the protagonist, representing truth and propriety in contrast to Matilda's deceitful nature. The aunt's "Strict Regard for Truth" is juxtaposed against Matilda's "Dreadful Lies," establishing a clear moral dichotomy. The aunt's initial attempt to believe Matilda, which "very nearly killed her," humorously illustrates the physical and emotional toll of dealing with a habitual liar.
Belloc's vivid descriptions of the fire brigade's response to Matilda's false alarm are particularly effective. The poet employs energetic language and specific details to bring the scene to life, describing the firefighters as a "Gallant Band" with "Courage high and Hearts a-glow." This lively depiction serves to heighten the contrast between the imagined emergency and the reality of Matilda's lie, while also emphasizing the real-world consequences of her actions.
The poem's structure takes an ironic turn when Matilda is left behind while her aunt attends the theater. The mention of "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray," a play dealing with themes of societal judgment and redemption, adds another layer of irony to the situation. Matilda's punishment of being left behind is described as "Just and Wise," setting the stage for the poem's climactic and tragic conclusion.
In the final stanza, Belloc brings the poem full circle as Matilda faces a real fire. The repetition of "You should have heard" emphasizes the desperation of Matilda's cries, creating a sense of pathos that contrasts with the earlier humorous tone. The crowd's dismissive response of "Little Liar!" serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of Matilda's past actions. The abrupt and matter-of-fact statement of Matilda and the house being "Burned" in the final line delivers a shocking conclusion that drives home the poem's moral message.
Throughout the poem, Belloc employs hyperbole and exaggeration to underscore his points. From the aunt nearly dying from Matilda's lies to the excessive response of the fire brigade, these exaggerations serve to amplify the poem's message and contribute to its darkly comic tone.
While the poem's moral - that lying has severe consequences - is clear, its extreme outcome raises questions about proportionality and justice. The harsh punishment Matilda receives for her dishonesty could be seen as an overreaction, prompting readers to consider the nuances of truth-telling and the potentially devastating effects of losing others' trust.
In conclusion, "Matilda Who told Lies, and was Burned to Death" is a masterful example of Belloc's ability to blend humor, morality, and social commentary. Through its engaging narrative, clever use of language, and shocking conclusion, the poem leaves a lasting impression on readers while encouraging reflection on the importance of honesty and the far-reaching consequences of deceit.