Courage. The Cowardly Lion wanted it, but in The Bad Beginning, the Baudelaires actually have it. Throughout their story, these little children display amazing bravery and strength in the face of some pretty terrible villainy. Even though the odds are against them, they always manage to keep their chins up and find the strength to keep Count Olaf from stealing their fortune and killing them. Hey, that's a pretty great motivation if we've ever heard one.
Questions About Courage
- How does the death of their parents help make the Baudelaires brave? Give example from the book, please.
- Sunny often finds herself in the role of the victim. How does she stay courageous in her own baby way?
- Would you be as brave as the Baudelaires are in these circumstances? Or would you be sensible, and run away screaming?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Fear and courage are two sides of the same coin—the Baudelaires need to put aside or conquer their fears in order to be brave.
Klaus is the most daring Baudelaire child, but not always the wisest.