Quote 13
"I think what I am trying to explain to you," she said, "is that over the years I became so completely cowed and dominated by this monster of an aunt that when she gave me an order, no matter what it was, I obeyed it instantly. That can happen, you know. And by the time I was ten, I had become her slave. I did all the house-work. I made her bed. I washed and ironed for her. I did all the cooking. I learnt how to do everything." (17.47)
Miss Honey had to grow up before her time. In a different way, so did Matilda. But boy, did Miss Honey have it particularly rough. As terrible as Matilda's parents are to her, they're nowhere nearly as awful as this aunt is to Miss Honey. Frankly, if this were a true story, Shmoop would be calling the authorities right about now.
Quote 14
"I have kept you here far too long. Your mother will be starting to worry."
"She never does that," Matilda said, smiling. "But I would like to go home now please, if you don't mind." (18.10-11)
Miss Honey insists on thinking the good of people. She's met Mrs. Wormwood, so she knows what a waste of space Matilda's mother is. Yet she still thinks Mrs. Wormwood will miss her daughter or worry about her. Matilda knows better. But hey, at least Matilda's able to smile about it now, rather than talk about it sadly, like she did in "The Reader of Books."
Quote 15
Miss Honey stood there helpless before this great red-necked giant. There was a lot more she would like to have said but she knew it was useless. She said softly, "Very well, then. It's up to you, Headmistress." (8.36)
It's not like Miss Honey is being put in The Chokey or dangled upside down by an ankle. The Trunchbull doesn't make grown-up teachers go through such indignities. But the Trunchbull imprisons Miss Honey all the same. Miss Honey is helpless because nothing she can say or do will change the giant's mind. Miss Honey is trapped with the worst boss ever.