What's the first thing you think when you hear the word "mouse?" We're guessing it's not "courage." There's even a saying, "Are you a man or a mouse?" Meaning, a wimp. Maybe that's why children enjoy stories with mouse heroes. It's easy for them to relate to creatures who seem small and helpless. Seeing a mouse be brave shows them that they can accomplish things, too.
Despereaux defies our expectations. The dungeons in The Tale of Despereaux are a pretty scary place to be—full of evil rats, dark, and very easy to get lost in. It's an especially frightening place for Despereaux, who's sent down to the dungeons to be eaten alive by the rats. But even though Despereaux is just a little mouse, he shows amazing courage. He's terrified, but he remains strong in order to serve the princess. He even rushes back into the dungeons to save her after he's returned to the castle. That's one brave mouse.
Questions About Courage
- How does Despereaux feel when the Mouse Council banishes him to the dungeons?
- Is Princess Pea afraid when Roscuro and Mig kidnap her?
- Why does Despereaux return to the dungeons when he's just escaped?
- Do you think that the dungeons are still scary for someone like Gregory the jailer who has spent so much time there?
Chew on This
The author thinks that we need other people to help us be brave.
The author believes that we have to find bravery within ourselves.