The Ersatz Elevator

“The book you are holding in your two hands right now—assuming that you are, in fact, holding this book, and that you have only two hands—is one of two books in the world that will show you the difference between the word ‘nervous’ and the word ‘anxious.’ The other book, of course, is the dictionary, and if I were you I would read that book instead.”

This passage from the book’s opening paragraphs introduces the reader to Lemony Snicket’s humorous narration style, as well as his pattern of defining words throughout the story. In this way, Snicket creates suspense and pulls the reader into the story, and the tone establishes the story’s darkly humorous voice and style.

“‘Is the elevator out of order?’ Violet asked. ‘I’m very good with mechanical devices, and I’d be happy to take a look at it.’ ‘That’s a very kind and unusual offer,’ the doorman said. ‘But the elevator isn’t out of order. It’s just out. The neighborhood decided that elevators were out, so they had the elevator shut down. Stairs are in, though, so there’s still a way to get to the penthouse.’”

The door attendant saying Violet’s offer is “unusual” introduces the strangeness of Dark Street and its preoccupation with trends leaves it out of touch with the rest of the world. The building’s lack of elevators also foreshadows their significance later in the novel as the method through which the Baudelaires are trapped.

“‘I hope they hear me turning pages,’ Klaus said. ‘Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Squalor will have some interesting books to read.’ ‘Or maybe people will hear me using a wrench,’ Violet said. ‘I hope the Squalors have some tools they’d let me use for my inventing.’ ‘Crife!’ Sunny said, crawling carefully past one of the candles on the ground. Violet looked down at her and smiled. ‘I don’t think that will be a problem, Sunny,’ she said. ‘You usually find something or other to bite.’”

This passage introduces the children’s individual talents. Klaus’s gift for research and learning is reflected by his hopes for a library. Similarly, Violet wishes for tools because they will allow her to invent things, and Sunny’s wish for things to bite introduces her talent and foreshadows how she later bites her way up the elevator shaft to save her siblings.