Characters and Choices
Why does Claudia choose Jamie to run away with her?
He has money/is good with saving it, will provide humor, and keep quiet.
Where do Claudia and Jamie hide their belongings when they run away?
In their instrument cases.
What is the main question the museum staff is trying to answer about Angel?
Whether it was sculpted by Michelangelo.
What method of transportation do Claudia and Jamie use to get to the museum?
A train.
What theme is shown by Claudia’s desire to feel important?
Identity and self-worth.
What personal reason motivates Claudia to leave home?
She feels unappreciated and feels a sense of injustice.
What unusual place do they sleep in at the museum?
In a bed in the museum’s antique furniture displays.
What clue makes Claudia believe Angel might be a Michelangelo?
The Stonemason's Mark on the bottom of the statue.
How does Jamie earn so much money while playing cards?
He has been cheating.
What theme appears through the siblings relying on each other during the adventure?
Family and teamwork.
How does Jamie’s personality differ from Claudia’s in how they solve problems?
Jamie is logical and frugal; Claudia is emotional and likes things done her way.
What strategy do they use to stay hidden when the museum opens in the morning?
They hide in the restroom and blend in with the school groups.
How much money was the statue purchased for?
$250
Why do Jamie and Claudia need to hide longer in the bathroom on one of their nights in the museum?
The guards were moving the Angel statue.
Why is running away considered Claudia’s “quest” rather than simply disobedience?
She’s searching for meaning and a way to feel special.
Why does Claudia admire Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler before even meeting her?
Mrs. Frankweiler owned Angel and has secrets Claudia hopes to uncover.
How did they earn more money?
By taking coins from the fountain during their baths.
Why does Claudia feel a personal connection to the Angel statue?
She sees it as beautiful, mysterious, and something that can change her life if she solves its secret.
What happens that makes Claudia feel their adventure was pointless and they had discovered nothing?
The museums letter back to the children about their discoveries and investigation.
How does the museum symbolize Claudia’s inner struggles?
It’s full of mystery and beauty—like her desire for a deeper purpose.
What does Claudia hope to gain personally by solving the Angel mystery?
A sense of importance, accomplishment, and “being different” when she returns home.
Why is the museum the perfect place for Claudia’s “adventure”?
It offers comfort, mystery, beauty, and a chance to learn something meaningful.
What do Claudia and Jamie discover in the museum that leads them to decide to visit Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?
They find that she was the previous owner, making her the key to the statue’s history
Why do Claudia and Jamie argue before deciding to go see Mrs. Frankweiler?
Claudia wants answers; Jamie wants to go home because he thinks the adventure is over.
What theme is highlighted by their investigation of the Angel statue?
Curiosity, learning, and the pursuit of truth.