Popularity

Esme Squalor is obsessed with things that are "in." Her entire life and as such, the life of her husband revolve around being popular. From the descriptions of the other residents of 667 Dark Avenue, this particular obsession is widespread. The Baudelaires are only adopted when it becomes popular to have orphans. As The Baudelaires quickly learn things go "in" and "out" very quickly. This leaves them wondering what will happen if orphans go out of style.

The absurdity of trends is mentioned several times. Trees are chopped down when dark becomes "out," people dress in identical pin-stripe suits, and everyone is forced to walk down a long flight of stairs simply because elevators are "out." This illustrates the lengths that people are willing to go, and the personal inconveniences they will put up with, just to be popular.

Jerome is an example of someone who is caught up...