Death

Death and morbidity play an enormous role in this book. The first thing the children noticed about their new school is that every single one of the buildings is shaped like a tombstone. This does not seem to affect Mr. Poe, who sees them rather as big toes. Do the children perceive the buildings as tombstones due to their recent trials or their fears? Or is there something more to this architecture?

That question is quickly answered when the children read the school's motto. "Memento Mori" is the motto, a Latin phrase that means, "Remember you will die." The author's choice to use such an overtly obvious theme of death in relation to a school is somewhat disturbing. Although this series focuses on death, it is never focused on in a school environment. However, no one is actually killed in this book, aside from a brief mention of...