Essay Questions

How is do the children display strength in the face of adversity?

Despite the harsh way life that has treated them, instead of being afraid, the Baudelaire’s consistently face their challenges head on. This is demonstrated most notably when Violet is being forced to marry Count Olaf, but instead informs the audience of his plans to get rid of them once she does. She does all this despite knowing that she and her siblings will face the repercussions of her actions if it does not work out.

How are the children contrasted with Count Olaf?

Goodness is physically demonstrated by each of the Baudelaire children, whilst Count Olaf epitomizes what it means to be cruel and evil. For the Baudelaire children, nothing is going right in their lives and they are constantly shipped off to the cruel Count Olaf who attempts to kill them for their money. But, each time, they manage to outwit him, highlighting the idea that those with inherent goodness always have the power to overthrow all that is bad in the world.

What is the main message of the story?

The main message throughout this book is that despite their misfortune and sadness, no matter how bad things get, the children always make the most out of their life. They show that something good can come out of even the worst moments of life, hence the silver lining.