Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Like many fairy tales and fantasy stories, this one has a lot to teach us. It's an allegorical story, meaning that there are many layers of meaning in addition to the action of the story itself. Packed in between dungeons and mouse-knights and princesses are a bunch of life lessons. Here are a few:
- Revenge is never a good idea.
- Actions have consequences, some unintended, so think before you act.
- Compassion and forgiveness are healthy and good.
- When someone is acting mean, it might be because they're hurting.
- People can change if you give them a chance.
- Stories are the best.
- When we truly believe in something, we can be braver than we think.
- Friends and family are better than feeling alone.
- And most important, it's okay to be different, even if people don't understand you.
That might seem like a lot of lessons for one mouse's story to carry, but Kate DiCamillo never makes you feel like she's lecturing. You're just reading a magical story filled with love, scary dungeons, revenge, daring escapes, and happily-ever-afters. You hardly even notice that you're becoming a better person. That's why she wins Newbery Medals