Key themes: Good and Evil

Who is the titular protagonist in The Tale of Despereaux?

• Lester

• Chiaroscuro

• Princess Pea

• Despereaux

What monumental task does Despereaux take on in the novel?

• Rescuing the evil rat Chiaroscuro

• Rescuing the princess from the dungeon

• Kidnapping the princess

• Condemning his father to the dungeon

What does the novel propose about good and evil?

• Good and evil are not necessary

• Good and evil are both necessary

• Only good is necessary

• Only evil is necessary

What forces exist alongside joy, empathy, and love in the novel?

• Anger, jealousy, and hatred

• Peace, understanding, and contentment

• Happiness, acceptance, and excitement

• Fear, intolerance, and sadness

What does the novel suggest is necessary to give the world and the story depth and meaning?

• Neither good nor evil

• Both good and evil

• Only evil

• Only good

What does the narrator point out about Princess Pea's heart?

• Her capacity to feel empathy

• Her love for Despereaux

• Her hatred for the rats

• Her fear of the dungeon

What does the narrator describe as the parts of Lester's heart?

• Joyful, empathetic, and loving

• Sad, angry, and hateful

• Light, bright, and good

• Peaceful, understanding, and content

What does the novel propose about the coexistence of good and evil inside all people?

• Good and evil coexist inside all people

• Only evil exists inside all people

• Only good exists inside all people

• Good and evil do not coexist inside all people

What does the narrator reveal about the character of Chiaroscuro?

• He is a kind and gentle rat

• He is an evil and cunning rat

• He is a misunderstood character

• He is a brave and heroic rat