I have a 3-page project. The brief goes thus:
“Try to select a movie, in the movie, select one character and study and analyse the person’s development using one or at most two developmental theories (Constructivist and maturationist). Other fACTS related to development can be included as well. You are also to compare and contrast this character’s life and development with your own development. You are to prepare a three-page paper summarising your analysis.”

As a Nigerian studying and living in the diaspora, i have chosen the movie “Matilda”. 

Below is the structure for this
I. Introduction (100-150 words)

II. Background and context (150-200 words)

III. Analyzing Matilda’s development using the Constructivist theory (250-300 words)

IV. Analyzing Matilda’s development using the Maturationist theory (250-300 words)

V. Comparison and contrast with your own development (250-300 words)
A. Identify events and experiences in your own life that reflect similarities and differences with Matilda’s development
B. Analyze the impact of these events on your own overall development
C. Explain how each theory (Constructivist and Maturationist) can be applied to your own development, comparing and contrasting with Matilda’s development

VI. Conclusion (100-150 words)
A. Summarize your analysis of Matilda’s development using the Constructivist and Maturationist theories
B. Reflect on the similarities and differences between Matilda’s development and your own
C. Discuss the broader implications and insights gained from analyzing and comparing these developmental trajectories

Total word count: 1,100-1,400 words



To this effect, i have written the following

Exploring the Development of Matilda and Personal Growth Experiences

I. Introduction

“Matilda” is a captivating movie adapted from Roald Dahl’s novel that centres around the life of a young prodigy, Matilda Wormwood, who uses her intellect, wit, and eventually telekinetic powers to navigate various challenges and obstacles throughout her formative years. As a Nigerian living in the diaspora, this movie holds a special significance for me due to its depiction of a resilient child in an unfamiliar environment, much like the cultural contrast I have experienced living and studying in a foreign land. This paper aims to explore Matilda’s character development using two prominent developmental theories: constructivist and maturationist. By analysing her growth and experiences throughout the film, I hope to gain insight into the factors that shape her unique persona. Additionally, I will compare and contrast Matilda’s development with my own personal experiences in order to examine the broader implications and understanding of these theories.

II. Background and Context

“Matilda” tells the story of an extraordinarily intelligent and gifted child who struggles to find her place in an abusive and unsupportive family. Her parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood, fail to recognise her potential and intellectual needs, instead belittling her abilities and stunting her growth. As Matilda starts attending school, she encounters further adversity in the form of her devious principal, Miss Trunchbull. Despite these negative influences, Matilda manages to form supportive relationships with her compassionate teacher, Miss Honey, and several classmates. As the story unfolds, she learns to utilise her telekinetic abilities and sly resourcefulness to overcome her obstacles and, ultimately, improve her life.

In stark contrast, my own upbringing as a Nigerian in the diaspora involved a loving, supportive family that nurtured my growth and academic pursuits. Although I was exposed to different challenges, such as adapting to a new culture and being away from my home country, my experiences were vastly different from Matilda’s. Understanding our divergent developmental journeys will aid in revealing the extent to which the constructivist and maturationist theories may explain our character development.




III. Analysing Matilda’s development using the Constructivist theory

The constructivist theory posits that individuals actively construct their understanding and knowledge of the world through experience and reflection. It emphasises the significance of both social and cognitive processes in shaping an individual’s learning and development. In the case of Matilda, her character development can be analysed through the lens of constructivism, showcasing the different ways her experiences and interactions with others influence her personal growth.

One clear illustration of the constructivist theory at work is Matilda’s voracious appetite for reading. Despite her parents’ ignorance and lack of intellectual stimulation, she teaches herself to read and visits the library regularly, immersing herself in numerous literary works. This independent learning demonstrates Matilda’s ability to actively construct her understanding of the world through exploration and personal discovery.

Another example of the constructivist theory evident in Matilda’s development is her interaction with her empathetic and nurturing teacher, Miss Honey. Through this supportive relationship, Matilda’s capacity for learning and growth is significantly fostered. Miss Honey provides the encouragement and guidance that Matilda lacks at home, allowing her to better understand her own abilities and develop her self-efficacy.

Furthermore, Matilda’s strategic use of her telekinetic powers showcases her adaptability and progressive understanding of her own capabilities. As she navigates her hostile environment, Matilda learns to leverage her powers to overcome obstacles and challenge authority, ultimately transforming her own life and the lives of those around her. These experiences illustrate the crucial role of continuous learning and adaptation in shaping her development, as underscored by constructivist theory.

IV. Analysing Matilda’s development using the Maturationist theory

The maturationist theory posits that growth and development are primarily dictated by an individual’s innate biological timeline, irrespective of external factors or environmental stimuli. It emphasises the role of heredity and genetics in influencing an individual’s developmental trajectory. When analysing Matilda’s character development through the lens of the maturationist theory, we can identify aspects of her growth that appear to stem from natural progression rather than environmental influences.

Matilda’s prodigious intellect and early language acquisition, for instance, may be attributed to genetic predisposition. Her remarkable cognitive abilities become evident even before she starts school, suggesting that her innate intelligence is not solely a product of her interaction with the environment. Thus, her mental development may be partly explained by the maturationist theory, which emphasises the role of inherited traits in shaping her exceptional cognition.

Similarly, the emergence of Matilda’s telekinetic powers can be viewed as a manifestation of maturation. These abilities appear to be unique to her and independent of any external factors or learned behaviours, pointing towards a pre-determined biological development. Though she eventually learns to control and refine her powers through practise, the innate nature of these abilities underscores the influence of maturation on her character development.

In conclusion, while the constructivist theory highlights the impact of Matilda’s experiences and continuous learning on her growth, the maturationist theory emphasises her innate capabilities and predispositions. By examining her development through both of these theoretical lenses, we can better understand the multifaceted nature of her character and the complex interplay between her environment and her inherent traits.




Now, With as much details as possible, generate the “Comparison and contrast with your own development” and “Conclusion” sections in the best possible way worthy of a post-doctorate publishing.