The Tale of Despereaux

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1, Chapters 1-15

Reading Check

1. What word does Antoinette frequently use and is described as her favorite word in the novel?

2. What does the king believe Despereaux is when he first sees him?

3. Who does Despereaux form a romantic attachment to?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is unusual about the incidents surrounding Despereaux’s birth? Why are these details important later in the narrative?

2. How might Antoinette’s character be described? What evidence from the novel supports your description?

3. What are the mouse rules Despereaux breaks and what are the consequences? Why might these rules be important to the survival of the mouse community?

4. How do fairy tales affect Despereaux’s behavior?

Paired Resource

History of Fairy Tales

• This 6-minute video explores the history of fairy tales and the shift from adult audiences to children.
• Consider viewing the video beginning at 1:07.
• Shared themes include Creating Your Own Destiny Through Storytelling and Nonconformity and Unlikely Heroes.
• How were fairy tales told prior to taking on a literary form? When did the audience of fairy tales shift from adults to children? How do fairy tales relay important messages? What is the significance of fairy tales to Despereaux?