On p. 9 par. 3, Violet feels like Mr. Poe is the "executioner" instead of the executor. What do you think she means when she says this? How do you think Violet felt?

In order for Violet to take Mr. Poe’s hand on the bottom of p. 9 to p.

10, Violet dropped the stone she was holding. What do you think dropping the stone symbolizes?

Effect: Mr. Poe made arrangements for the Baudelaire children to be raised by the distant relative Count Olaf. What caused Mr. Poe to choose Count Olaf? Do you agree with the logic of his decision? If not, how would you have chosen a relative to raise the Baudelaire children?

Describe the mood on p. 16-17 when the children are packing around bedtime. How do you think they are feeling? What do you think their greatest fears are at this time?

What do you think Count Olaf’s eye symbolizes? Based on what you have read so far, how do you think Count Olaf will treat the Baudelaire children? What do you think will happen next?

Which of the following best describes Count Olaf ?