#8 in A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Hostile Hospital
What’s inside...
The Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus and Sunny are on the run and find themselves in Heimlich Hospital, which they quickly discover is an unfriendly place. They must escape Count Olaf's clutches once again, while unraveling the mystery behind V.F.D.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the Baudelaire orphans keep encountering obstacles, and how do they manage to overcome them?
How do the characters display bravery and intelligence, and which actions impressed you the most?
What would you have done if you were in the place of any of the Baudelaire siblings in the hospital?
How does the author use humor and irony to describe serious situations? Can you find any examples?
Do you think it's important to question things like the Baudelaires do? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing 'The Hostile Hospital', focus on the resilience and resourcefulness of the Baudelaire orphans, highlighting how they tackle challenges. Encourage your child to think about how they would handle similar situations and what they can learn from the characters. Use examples of irony and humor from the book to make the conversation light yet insightful, helping your child to both analyze and appreciate the storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'The Hostile Hospital', the Baudelaire orphans face numerous challenges yet continue to persevere. They demonstrate resilience by thinking creatively to solve problems and by never giving up, despite the dire circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face difficulties in their own lives with determination and a positive attitude, understanding that challenges can be overcome with persistence.
Example Lesson: Importance of critical thinking
Explanation: The protagonists frequently encounter misleading information and must use their judgement to discern the truth. This encourages them to think critically and question the reliability of sources.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to evaluate information critically and encourages skepticism and inquiry, which are essential skills in navigating today’s information-rich world.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The Baudelaire orphans often rely on each other’s unique strengths to deal with difficult situations. This highlights how working together can help solve problems that might be insurmountable alone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or team sports, learning that collective effort often yields better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision making
Explanation: In their journey, the orphans face ethical dilemmas and make choices that reflect their moral compass, despite often being in gray areas.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of making decisions that align with their values, even when faced with difficult choices.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The Baudelaires often have to quickly adapt to new environments and challenges, demonstrating flexibility and quick thinking.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being adaptable in various situations, developing flexibility in both thought and action, which is crucial for personal and academic success.