Lindsey's Library

Critique

At first glance, the story seems short and simple, almost too much so, but as each character represents an archetype of real people in many social structures, it’s easy to see that a beautiful allegory is being painted. Despereaux is the every man of any middle class of a society, and his daring to enter the world of the royalty, the upper-echelon, is most notable when the king says that he ought not play music for a bug because then the world would not be right. Despereaux’s bravery is a challenge to the every man that no matter how big the problems are, it’s important to fight for the things that you love.

Chiaroscuro represents the bottom rung of society, those who live in the filth and darkness, and are scorned for their position. The king, acting again as a catalyst, mentions that rats belong in the dungeon because they are rats. However, Chiaroscuro’s desire to become something more than a rat, or what a rat represents, burns so strongly that he becomes embittered and twisted, stopping at nothing to try to get revenge.

Miggery Sow’s story is that she has risen from the destitute to a position of power, from being a slave to working in the castle, but her laziness won’t take her any further, and her avarice clouds her judgment. It’s her challenge to recognize where she is at fault and to remedy the situation that she has caused, seeking rather to go about fulfilling her dreams by peaceful measures instead of violent ones.

Princess Pea is the upper echelon, those with the power or the money or, as is often the case, both. Along with forgiving the violent reactions of those below her, it is ultimately she that has the ability to change the overall power structure to bring everyone together. Miggery Sow, although she won’t be able to fulfill her dream of becoming a princess, has a friend and has found her place in society; Chiaroscuro can step into the light, can be part of the world that is beyond his caste; and Despereaux is invited to eat soup at the table with the king and the princess, sitting at the place of honor with all of the other mice watching.

Overall, it’s a quick, fun read, and Dicamillo’s tone is inviting and playful. It’s perfect that she addresses the audience throughout the narrative and clearly defines the big words that she uses throughout. It’s a great bedtime story for younger children, but largely the audience will fall into the 7-8 realm.