From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

The plot of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler centers on Claudia’s journey to discover and distinguish herself after a childhood that encouraged conformity and compliance but not creativity. Rather than specifying what Claudia learns about herself, Konigsburg draws attention to the process by which Claudia does so, providing a template for self-discovery.

Seeking to shake up her monotonous life, Claudia goes on an adventure. Several elements of this adventure prove critical to her development. First, she attains a greater degree of independence and freedom to choose, beyond the influence of parental and other authorities. This allows Claudia to discover what kind of person she is when she is not compelled to act by outside forces. She finds she is ambitious and intelligent in her desire to learn but sometimes overbearing in her obsession with rules and proper behavior, as shown by her fixation on grammar and her initial reluctance to eat non-breakfast food for breakfast.

A second element of Claudia’s adventure that facilitates self-discovery is mystery. The mystery of Angel’s origin provides a compelling call to action for Claudia and Jamie, focusing and centering their efforts. Uncovering that goal provides motivation and