What a crafty tale with such unlikely props to wield such a welcome ending! Gor!
I could not have imagined when I began reading how a needle, a spool of thread, and soup could be the tools of victory. In spite of the fact that Miggery Sow's plans were foiled in her attempt to become princess, her antagonistic character highlighted the esteemed characters of Despereaux and the princess. Between the lines the reader could see a cool, calm, and collected demeanor in Despereaux as he ultimately played the hero in the story. The bravery and wit that sent him from the dungeon to the grand rooms of the castle were carried out with finesse that seemed unbeatable around other likely "wanna-be" heros in the story. I almost wonder if those early-opened eyes were symbolic of the wisdom that Despereaux applied to his adventures from the beginning. This book was an enlightening window into the fun of nonsense that books can provide to our imagination with fantasy. The rule about outlawing soup lightened up the plot just in time. The beginning of the story was somewhat dark and ominous in its predictions of doom for Despereaux, but in the end what a well-rounded mouse to have been so diplomatic with the rat! I wonder if the mice would finally take in Despereaux as the prodigal son.
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4 comments:
Isn't it funny how something as common place as soup can become the focus of an entire story? You're right when you say it lightened the mood right when Despereaux's future was looking grim! Moral of the story...soup fixes everything. And you should make it even if you're told not to.
I am taken by your vocabulary such "her antagonistic character highlighted the esteemed characters of Despereaux" and "carried out with finesse". Your descriptions inspire me to choose my own words with care.
Wow--the eyes opening were foreshadowing! Completely! I missed that when I read it. How cool that you saw it! Great question--would the mice accept him---and, more importantly, would he want to be one of them again?
I agree with your interpretation of the symbolism behind Despereaux's eyes being open when he was born. When I first read this description at the beginning of the book, I knew that DiCamillo intended for Despereaux's wide open eyes to symbolize an important aspect about his character. Initially, I wasn't quite sure what this was meant to symbolize but I think your idea about his eyes representing his wisdom is an interesting and viable interpretation. His open eyes also may have also symbolized his curiosity, alertness and readiness to exerience and enjoy life to the fullest. Although he had to deal with many setbacks, Despereaux prevailed in his quest to live an extrodinary, exciting, and fulfilling life. He was eager to take the journey that led him to ultimate happiness, despite the risks involved.
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