Kristina Arkhipova

English 414
Richard Burke
November 29, 2016

The Tale of Despereaux

By definition, fantasy literature includes some or all of the following elements: plot, setting,
characters (usually human and nonhuman), a specific mood/tone, a journey or quest, and a
theme. In a fantasy, the author creates a real world setting and adds elements of fantasy. Many
parts of a fantasy can be appealing to the reader, and one element of fantasy I find appealing is
the creation of imaginary worlds. In these worlds, the author creates a time and place that
engages the readers imagination and provides a backdrop for the story to unfold.
In the story The Tale of Despereaux, the author crafts two imaginary worlds for the mice and rat
characters to exist within the human kingdom in which they reside. One in which the mice lived
and the other, where the rats have dwelled for many years. The world created for Despereaux and
the other mice in the story was located in the main living quarters in the Castle Dor. Although,
the mice coexisted among the king and his family, they were never allowed to interact with the
humans. Within the kingdoms halls, the mice went about their daily lives, finding food because
this was a big part of a mouses existence. Despereaux, however, was not satisfied with the
limitations of the mice world and yearned to explore the human world. The sounds of music and
the promise of light drew Despereaux into the library of the kingdom. Because of his size,
Despereaux was mistaken for an insect and was allowed to sit on the kings foot. In the end, the
temptation of the human world would lead to Despereauxs imprisonment. He was cast into the

dungeon with the rats. The rat world was far different than anything that Despereaux had ever
experienced before. Despereaux was surprised to discover the darkness and foul smells of the
dungeon. The light that Despereaux was so drawn to will not be found within the walls of the
dungeon. There were no beautiful stained glass windows or beautiful yellow tile floors. The
dinginess and disgust of the castles dungeon had been reserved for the rats. This fate was
bestowed upon them by the king after the tragic death of his beloved wife.
These two worlds created opposite appeals for the reader. The mices world sent a message of
hope and a form of normalcy to readers. The author wrote about families of mice and the
structure within these families; young readers could easily make a connection with being part of
a family. In the world of the mice there was an abundance of light and color and opportunities to
find food. The authors intent was to create a feeling of hominess in the mice world, another
appealing element to young children. In contrast, the rats world was one of dread and despair. In
creating this world, the authors purpose was to further develop the role of the characters of the
rats in the story as creatures that elicit fear and ugliness in the readers minds. These unsightly
creatures were doomed forever to reside in the dungeon awaiting their next meal of imprisoned
mice.
Fantasies allow the reader to experience imaginary worlds and the unrealistic quest the main
character is often in search of in the story. The setting often provides challenges or avenues that
help the main character achieve his/her goal. Fantasy settings usually create mystery or suspense
and are designed to enhance the mood or tone of the story. Because the genre is fantasy, there are
no limits when creating this imaginary, magical world for the reader.