The Tale of Despereaux

Multiple Choice

1. A (Various chapters)

2. D (Various chapters)

3. A (Various chapters)

4. C (Various chapters)

5. B (Various chapters)

6. A (Various chapters)

7. C (Various chapters)

8. D (Various chapters)

9. A (Various chapters)

10. C (Various chapters)

Long Answer

1. Roscuro, Despereaux, and Mig each have ridiculous dreams. Roscuro’s dream is to live in the daylight, and he is granted this dream at the novel’s conclusion but does not have the opportunity to inflict his revenge on Princess Pea. Despereaux dreams of being in a relationship with Princess Pea, but only manages to remain her friend. Mig’s dream of becoming a princess never comes to fruition, but she is treated as a princess by her father when they reconnect. DiCamillo may be making a statement about the unreasonableness of fairy tales and the true desires behind ridiculous dreams. For example, Mig desires to be a princess because she has been mistreated all her life–her desire is fulfilled through the relationship she develops with her father. (Various chapters)

2. Despereaux is the primary example of nonconformity in the novel. Of all the characters, Despereaux resists the laws of his community, their perspectives, and their behaviors. When Despereaux is given the chance to recant his beliefs and behavior to save his life, he decides to stand by what he believes in.