What better place to talk about art and culture than within the walls of the very famous Metropolitan Museum of Art? In From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the Met opens a door to another world, kind of like Narnia, except with fewer talking animals and more oil paintings. Here, they discover art, history, and the kind of old school wealth that a girl like Claudia could only dream about. We're talking four-poster beds that were once used by royalty. And it only gets better when they fall into the world of the mysterious (and pretty cultured) Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Questions About Art and Culture
- What role does the art museum play in the story? Is it just the setting, or is it more?
- What happens when Claudia and Jamie begin researching the angel? How does it change their adventure?
- What about the angel appeals to Claudia so much? Why does she keep saying that she wants to hug it?
- Why is Mrs. Frankweiler an art collector?
Chew on This
Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler collects art in the same way that Claudia collects secrets.
Even though Claudia wants them to actively learn something each day at the museum, just being there allows Claudia and Jamie to soak in the art and culture around them.