Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Growing Up
Adventure, Mystery, and Secrets
Family
Independence, Capability, and Creativity
Art, Beauty, and Wonder
Summary
Analysis
A note addressed to “my lawyer, Saxonberg,” complains that Saxonberg’s last visit was terribly boring. The note’s writer doesn’t want to risk another visit like that, so she’s sending this note by way of her chauffeur, Sheldon. She includes an account of changes she wants made to her will. After Saxonberg finishes reading the following account, he’ll understand why these changes must be made. The writer notes that Saxonberg is about to find out what a good writer she is and closes with the encouragement to “read and discover.” The note is signed, “Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.”
The novel begins in a slightly confusing way: at first, it’s not clear who the author of this note is. However, the note’s author seems to be wealthy—she has a chauffeur, after all, and she’s apparently on familiar terms with her lawyer. Indeed, she doesn’t mind insulting Saxonberg pretty openly, and at this point, it’s hard to tell if she’s being good-natured or simply mean. In any case, this Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler thinks highly of herself, inviting Saxonberg—and readers—to discover her talent firsthand (and get some questions answered) by reading the following story.
Themes
