The Tale of Despereaux Courage Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

The terrible foul odor of the dungeon did not bother Mig. [...] And so it was that the overwhelming stench of despair and hopelessness and evil was not at all discernible to her, and she went happily down the twisting and turning stairs. (31.1)

Without her senses intact, Mig doesn't get the full terrifying experience of the dungeons. It's not that she's brave, it's just that she can't appreciate the danger.

Quote #8

"Gor," said Mig, staring at Gregory with respect. "You eats the bones. You are most ferocious." Gregory ate another piece of chicken, a wing, bones and all. And then another. Mig watched him admiringly. (32.12-13)

Instead of running away screaming when she watches the jailer eat chicken bones, Mig is completely fascinated. Since she never really had the experience of feeling safe in her life, she's not easily scared.

Quote #9

Despereaux was pondering the reverse of that question. He was wondering not what he would do with his tail, but what he would do without it. He was sitting on a bag of flour high atop a shelf in the pantry, crying for what he had lost. (35.1)

Even though Despereaux has tried very hard to keep a stiff upper lip throughout this whole fiasco, he does break down and starts to cry when his tail is chopped off. Can you blame him for losing it once in a while?