Happily Ever After

I'm pretty sure that we have all heard a story that begins with "Once upon a time." Usually it contains a story about kings and queens, knights and dragons, and a damsel in distress. The Tale of Despereaux is one of those books. Although it does not begin with "Once upon a time" and doesn't contain dragons, but a dungeon, it makes me think deeply about what Kate DiCamillo is trying to really say. It also makes me think about the message that she is trying to send to the reader and the depth of the story. Like in real life, is there really such a thing as happily ever after?

Despereaux's life reflects so much upon what a human's is like. Sometimes he is in doubt, and along the way he develops bravery, and the courage to stand up for the Princess Pea. Unlike any other mouse, he is brave enough to face the "real world"- one that is complete darkness, and only lit by Despereaux's love for Pea. But unlike the other mice who cower in fear, he wants to be that knight in shining armor, honoring and protecting the princess.
I guess Despereaux's actions really reflect on his feelings, and what he thinks is right or wrong. Most of all, he stands up for what he loves. Maybe we can learn from Despereaux: It's not a sin to stand out from the crowd in which you thought you once belonged- maybe it's time to move on. Maybe you were always different, like Despereaux, and you were always being pressured about being a certain way. This, in fact, happens all the time, non-stop in today's society. Being pressured about how you look or how you act are things that are considered "important," or at least seem to be. Are they, really?
This brings me also to think about Chiaroscuro, too. As a character, he is so much like Despereaux, but at the same time so different. He is the only rat in this book who likes the light, he thinks that it's beautiful.
Roscuro brings me to Miggery Sow. Although it does mention that she wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, her story is probably one of the sharpest in the kitchen. Her longing and wanting to be a princess, though, gets her into trouble with Roscuro who persuades her to capture the Princess Pea. In the end of course, everything is fine--she and her father are reunited after he sold her for a cloth, a chicken, and a handful of cigarettes when she was younger. And of course, things with Despereaux, Pea, and Roscuro are sorted out. Like happily ever after.
"Stories are light." This is what Gregory the jailer said to Despereaux. And I myself am pretty sure they are, too.