Bunnicula — Chapter 6

About This Passage

Chester says this to Harold just before he tries to pound a steak into Bunnicula's chest. The sentence is doing a precise piece of psychological work. Chester is taking responsibility for his action ('I'm sorry') while also blaming the family for forcing him to do it ('if they'd listened, this wouldn't have been necessary'). This pattern — apologizing while shifting blame — is a recognizable feature of how people justify drastic actions to themselves. Chester is not really sorry; he is preparing his self-justification in advance. Copying this sentence teaches a writer how a single line of dialogue can carry both the appearance of remorse and the reality of self-justification.

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. Chester goes from trying to warn the family in Chapter 5 to trying to handle the threat himself in Chapter 6. Argue what this change shows about his emotional state, and consider whether the change is the result of growing confidence in his theory or of growing isolation from the family.
2. Harold helps Chester get Bunnicula out of his cage even though he is starting to like the rabbit and is no longer sure Chester is right. Is Harold being a good friend by helping Chester with a plan he no longer believes in, or is Harold being a bad friend by going along with something potentially harmful? Defend your reading.

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide