78 pages 2 hours read

Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.

Exam Answer Key

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.

Related Titles

By Kate DiCamillo

Study Guide

logo

Beverly, Right Here

Kate DiCamillo

Beverly, Right Here

Kate DiCamillo

Study Guide

logo

Raymie Nightingale

Kate DiCamillo

Raymie Nightingale

Kate DiCamillo

Study Guide

logo

The Beatryce Prophecy

Kate DiCamillo

The Beatryce Prophecy

Kate DiCamillo

Study Guide

logo

The Magician's Elephant

Kate DiCamillo

The Magician's Elephant

Kate DiCamillo

Study Guide

logo

The Tiger Rising

Kate DiCamillo

The Tiger Rising

Kate DiCamillo