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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Despereaux begin by reciting?

2. What does Despereaux want before the guards lead him to the dungeon?

3. What other crime did he commit that he wasn't caught for?

4. What does Roscuro do that gets him into trouble with Gregory?

5. What does Roscuro climb to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the King do after his beloved Queen dies?

2. Why does Despereaux refuse to renounce his actions in front of the Mouse Council?

3. What is the outcome of Chiaroscuro's trip into the light?

4. Why was the killing of rats unsuccessful, and what did the King do?

5. What causes Despereaux to fall in love with the Princess?

6. What is the crime that led to the new prisoner being brought down to the dungeon?

7. Why did Antoinette's last word to Despereaux give him little comfort?

8. What happens when Princess Pea notices him swinging from the chandelier?

9. How does Antoinette react as the last of her babies is being taken to the dungeon?

10. What does Roscuro discover when he works up the courage to go upstairs into the light?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Roscuro get upstairs into the light? What does he see when he gets there? What rooms does he visit? Which room does he become drawn into and what attracts his attention? Where does he go to get a closer look? Who sees him first and what is the response?

Essay Topic 2

What is the meaning of Chiaroscuro? How is this name ironic given that it was given to a rat and why? What is almost prophetic about this name? In what way are Chiaroscuro and Despereaux very similar? What character traits do they share?

Essay Topic 3

How does Despereaux get back to the light? What does he overhear on the way? What happens that almost costs him his life? What part of himself does he lose in the process? Where does he hide afterward? How long is he there? What is different about his appearance when he comes out?

(see the answer keys)

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