In The Bad Beginning, Count Olaf is one of the most dreadful villains to ever grace the page. He doesn't have one single redeeming quality, and everything about him—his house, his appearance, and his manners—are absolutely deplorable. The Baudelaires, on the other hand, are nice, well-mannered children who don't really want to spend their time fending off a wicked man like Count Olaf. So what will happen? Will good triumph over evil? Or will this story just make us weep uncontrollably? It's too early in the series to tell at this point, but we're definitely Team Baudelaire.
Questions About Good Versus Evil
- What exactly is up with Count Olaf and eyes? Is he always watching the Baudelaires? Or does he have some strange fondness for the windows to the soul? Turn to the book to support your claim.
- How do you think Count Olaf got so villainous? Was he born bad? Or did something awful happen to him? Use the text for clues to his character.
- Do you think the Baudelaires will ever be rid of Count Olaf? Why or why not?
Chew on This
The Baudelaires might be deceptive, but their intentions are always good. When Count Olaf lies, though? Not so much.
Justice Strauss and Count Olaf are presented as foils—one is an ideal guardian and one is a bad-smelling criminal not fit to go within five hundred yards of children.