The Tale of Despereaux

Multiple Choice and Long Answer Questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What best explains why Despereaux is described as an unlikely hero?

A) He is very small for his age and disliked by his peers.

B) He does not have the strength and courage he needs.

C) His family has very little faith in his capabilities.

D) He lacks the knowledge to carry out a rescue.

2. What is the catalyst for Roscuro’s resentment toward Princess Pea?

A) His mistreatment by the other rats

B) The lack of sunlight in the rat’s den

C) The king’s hatred of the rat community

D) His inadvertent involvement in the queen’s death

3. The author describes the king as “unintelligent,” but what clues provide the reader with this knowledge prior to that admission?

A) The king outlaws soup after the queen dies while eating it.

B) The king sings silly songs to Princess Pea before she goes to bed.

C) The king refers to Despereaux as a bug, while he is clearly a mouse.

D) The king will not listen to Despereaux because he is similar to a rat.

4. What motivates Despereaux to defend Princess Pea?

A) His friendship with her

B) His willingness to be brave

C) His romantic attachment to her

D) His respect for the king

5. Who serves as a foil—or the opposite—of Despereaux’s character?

A) Mig

B) Roscuro

C) Princess Pea