Essay Questions

What is ambiguous and confusing about the title of this book?

The book is narrated in the first person by a young boy who lives in the neighborhood where the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company set up shop. Therefore, he is by definition the person telling the story. Since the story is his recollection of the adventures of the members of the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company and since he takes part in that effort to some degree, it only makes sense that the “Me” in the title is a reference to himself.

On the other hand, the narrator is really more of a tangential member of the window cleaning company and, besides, not an animal and, besides, is not implicated as a member of the official trio which comprises the group at the center of the narrative. Since the story is specifically about that particular group, the title would seem to indicate it is referencing them: the giraffe, the pelican nicknamed “Pelly” and the monkey, which would mean the monkey is the “Me.” This conclusion is strongly supported by the song the monkey sings which ends with lyrics that are identical to the title, but it remains unclear who the “Me” in the title is really supposed to be for certain.

What are the terms of the deal the Duke negotiates to put the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company out of business?

In truth, of course, the Duke does not seek to put the window cleaning company out of business, but merely to transform them from a public company to a private enterprise. The Duke is so impressed and grateful that the giraffe, Pelly and the monkey caught the notorious burglar known as the Cobra, thereby saving his wife’s jewels from being stolen, that he extends and offer too good to turn down. The offer is so good, in fact, that the three have no compunction about going out of business. They agree to take the Duke on his extraordinary offer to come and live on his impressive estate where the largest barn will be turned into their private residence. In exchange for this home complete with heating, showers and kitchen, they agree to continue cleaning all 677 of his windows as well as harvesting cherries and apples from his orchards. And, of course—providing the pelican is willing and able—to give the Duke a ride around the estate inside the expansive pouch of Pelly’s beak.