Overcoming societal expectations

Setting

Set in an unspecified medieval era, The Tale of Despereaux unfolds primarily within the walls of a grand castle. This regal setting serves as the backdrop for the intertwining stories of the main characters, providing a stark contrast between the opulent upper levels and the dark, foreboding dungeon below.

The castle, with its banquet halls, royal chambers, and bustling kitchens, represents a microcosm of society. It's a world where humans and mice coexist, albeit with strict boundaries. The story also ventures into the surrounding village, where we encounter characters like Miggery Sow, offering glimpses of life beyond the castle walls.

Central to the narrative is the dungeon, a labyrinthine underworld that serves as both prison and home to the rat population. This gloomy subterranean realm, with its winding passages and perpetual darkness, stands in sharp contrast to the light-filled world above, symbolizing the divide between the different species and social classes in Kate DiCamillo's fantastical medieval society.

Characters

• Despereaux Tilling: The protagonist, a tiny mouse born with his eyes open. Despereaux is unlike other mice, as he loves music, stories, and falls in love with Princess Pea. His bravery and determination lead him on a quest to save the princess from the dungeon. Despite facing rejection from his community, Despereaux remains true to himself and his values throughout the story.

• Princess Pea: A kindhearted human princess who befriends Despereaux. She is compassionate and open-minded, treating Despereaux with kindness despite the prejudices against mice. Princess Pea's kidnapping serves as the central conflict of the story, prompting Despereaux's heroic journey.

• Roscuro: A rat who lives in the dungeon but longs for light and beauty. His accidental role in the queen's death leads him to seek revenge against Princess Pea. Roscuro's complex character arc explores themes of light and darkness, redemption, and the power of forgiveness.

• Miggery Sow: A slow-witted servant girl with a simple wish to become a princess. Miggery's difficult past and naivety make her susceptible to manipulation, but she ultimately plays a crucial role in the story's resolution. Her character arc demonstrates personal growth and the importance of self-worth.

• King Philip: Princess Pea's father and the ruler of the castle. He bans soup and rats after his wife's death, showing how grief can lead to irrational decisions.

• Gregory: The jailer who saves Despereaux from death in the dungeon. His kindness towards Despereaux highlights the theme of compassion in the story.

• Botticelli Remorso: A cunning rat who serves as an antagonist to Despereaux. He represents the darker aspects of rat society in the dungeon.

• Lester Tilling: Despereaux's father, who reluctantly sends his son to the dungeon. His actions show the conflict between societal expectations and familial love.

Quick facts

• The Tale of Despereaux won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2004.

• Author Kate DiCamillo wrote the first draft in just 26 days.

• The story is divided into four “books,” each focusing on a different main character.

• The name “Despereaux” comes from the French word for “hopeless."

• Timothy Basil Ering created over 200 illustrations for the novel.

• In 2008, The Tale of Despereaux was adapted into an animated feature film starring Matthew Broderick and Dustin Hoffman.

• A video game based on the movie was released for multiple gaming platforms.

• The novel was adapted into a stage musical by PigPen Theatre Co. in 2018.

• The Tale of Despereaux has been translated into over 25 languages worldwide.

• The Tale of Despereaux made the NEA's list of Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children.

About the Author

Kate DiCamillo is a renowned American children's author. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Florida, she moved to Minnesota in her twenties and began writing stories for young readers. Her debut novel, Because of Winn-Dixie (2000), became a runaway bestseller, earned her a Newbery Honor, and launched her successful literary career.

DiCamillo’s books have won critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Newbery Medals for both The Tale of Despereaux (2003) and Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures (2013). Dedicated to her craft, she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week, from her home in Minneapolis. Her works include middle-grade novels, early-chapter-book series, and picture books. Notable among these are the Mercy Watson series, featuring a “porcine wonder” with a love for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates an unlikely friendship. Her books have more than 40 million copies in print worldwide.

DiCamillo served as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature from 2014 to 2015, promoting the importance of storytelling and reading. Despite their diverse settings, from a trailer park in contemporary Florida to a castle in a medieval fantasy world, her books consistently place a priority on connecting with young readers. As DiCamillo has stated: “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another."