How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
He spent his days as he wanted: He wandered through the rooms of the castle, staring dreamily at the light streaming in through the stained-glass windows. He went to the library and read over and over again the story of the fair maiden and the knight who rescued her. And he discovered, finally, the source of the honey-sweet sound.
The sound was music. (4.3-4)
The hills—oops, we mean the castle rooms—are alive with the sound of music. It's the music that leads Despereaux to the princess. What do you think the author is saying here about art and beauty?
Quote #5
From that moment forward, Roscuro showed an abnormal, inordinate interest in illumination of all sorts. He was always, in the darkness of the dungeon, on the lookout for light, the smallest glimmer, the tiniest shimmer. His rat soul longed inexplicably for it; he began to think that light was the only thing that gave life meaning, and he despaired that there was so little of it to be had. (16.24)
Although Despereaux is the hero of the story and Roscuro is the villain, they both share an appreciation for light and beauty. Roscuro doesn't seem to have much hope about living in the light. It's just like Mig's experience later in the book—living a dark, confined life and watching the glittering royal family drive by. No wonder Roscuro's able to figure out what makes Mig tick.
Quote #6
"Ugh," said Botticelli. He covered his eyes with one paw.
Roscuro, however, stared directly into the light.
Reader, this is important: The rat called Chiaroscuro did not look away. He let the light from the upstairs world enter him and fill him. He gasped aloud with the wonder of it. (17.5-7)
Roscuro's completely awed by the light that shines from the upstairs world—and he longs to see more of it. It makes his experience at the end of the book all the sadder. He's allowed into the light but can't appreciate it. So near and yet so far, as they say.