The Mysterious Benedict Society

“How many children read the newspaper, after all? Reynie did, but he had always been alone in this, had always been considered an oddball. If not for Miss Perumal he might even have given it up by now, to avoid some of the teasing.” 

Reynie’s life in the orphanage is one of isolation and ridicule. None of his peers understand his intellectual gifts, which set him apart and make him feel like an oddball. His vocabulary, way of speaking, love of books, interest in the outside world, and analytical skills all mark him as a target for teasing. Reynie understands that activities like reading the newspaper are not typical pursuits for children, and he may have abandoned his special interests to better fit in if Miss Perumal had not come into his life.

“After a few more pages of questions, all of which Reynie felt confident he had answered correctly, he arrived at the test’s final question: ‘Are you brave?’ […] Finally he gave up trying to decide and simply wrote, ‘I hope so.’” 

This question on Mr. Benedict’s test surprises Reynie, who thinks that he has never needed to be brave. In actuality, Reynie has bravely withstood the loneliness and solitude of being an exceptionally intelligent child in an unforgiving environment his whole life. Miss Perumal recognizes this and considers him very brave, but Reynie is unconvinced and unsure of his courage. Reynie is a sincere boy who truly does wish to be a good person with attributes he knows are desirable, such as bravery, so in the end he answers the question truthfully.