38 pages 1 hour read

Beverly Cleary

Ralph S. Mouse

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1982

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Essay Topics

1.

Explore the theme of friendship in the novel. Why does Ralph find it difficult to connect with other mice? How do Ralph’s two human friends, Matt and Ryan, differ from each other?

2.

Discuss the challenges of Ralph’s size as he attempts to exist in the human world. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being so small? How does this aspect relate to the larger theme of overcoming limitations in one’s life?

3.

Research mazes and how they are used to measure intelligence in animals. Why does Ralph feel the need to “perform” even though he fundamentally despises the premise of the test? How is the maze a metaphor for life?