Stuart

Stuart Little is the protagonist of White’s novel. From the novel’s beginning, Stuart is different from his family due to his mouse-like appearance. Although this appearance at first seems problematic (his mother summons a doctor to make sure Stuart is not ill), it eventually becomes essential to Stuart’s gentlemanly character. Stuart’s small appearance enables him to enhance the life of his family by finding ping pong balls, fixing the piano, and finding his mother’s lost ring. In this way, White demonstrates that while unconventional appearances may at first seem to inhibit the individual, they are actually opportunities for the individual to define his or her character. And indeed, because Stuart uses his appearance to help his family, he cultivates a gentlemanly sensibility within him. For example, even though Stuart must brave the unpleasantness of the bathroom drain to find his mother’s ring...