The Bully

These chapters show Darrell reclaiming his own agency during a period of significant growth. The first proactive move Darrell makes is reading the 1986 coming-of-age novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen on Mr. Mitchell’s recommendation. By including a reference to this real young adult work in his book, Langan allows his readers to learn alongside Darrell, just as Darrell learns alongside Hatchet’s protagonist, Brian. The implication is that if Darrell’s experience of finding Hatchet useful and inspirational speaks to Langan’s readers, maybe they will read this classic next. Many of Hatchet’s themes speak to those in The Bully, although Brian’s difficulties have less to do with social dynamics and more to do with managing isolation, injuries, physical hardship, and dangers in the natural environment. While Hatchet doesn’t offer easy answers about what specifically to do about Tyray, it shows a character in self-pity and then stepping up to fight for their own life. This idea sticks with Darrell going forward as he makes empowering choices. Langan makes it clear that the benefits of feeling in control of one’s surroundings and overcoming the despair of helplessness are universally applicable.

During one of the most public acts of bullying in the book, Tyray cruelly mocks Amberlynn for associating with Darrell. Amberlynn, flustered by harassment, claims that she doesn’t like Darrell at all, causing a humiliated Darrell to retreat to the bathroom. However, empowered by the lessons he has learned from Hatchet, Darrell masters his shame and returns to class. Despite Amberlynn’s betrayal, Darrell’s inner kindness and empathy remain. He doesn’t begrudge Amberlynn for disavowing him; rather, he feels guilty for dragging her into the bullying. Despite encountering so much cruelty, Darrell never resorts to cruelty himself.

Mr. Mitchell’s recommendation comes from his ability to empathize with Darrell’s position as a small teen who gets picked on by bullies. Mr. Mitchell is attuned to the social dynamics of the Bluford ninth grade; his insight is that punishing Tyray or intervening in class will only make the bullying worse whenever teachers aren’t around. Instead, Mr. Mitchell encourages Darrell to think about what he can control himself, rather than waiting or hoping for someone else to act on his behalf—strategies that prioritize Smarts Versus Strength and foreshadow Darrell’s eventual successes on the wrestling team. The nuanced conversation makes clear the difference between asking adults for advice and going to them to tell on the bad behavior of others. While Darrell is too old to tattle on Tyray, he is nevertheless in need of the wisdom of helpful authority figures; they can suggest strategies to develop grit, monitor the situation for signs that they do need to step in, and provide a sounding board and confidence boost. Showing Mr. Mitchell’s thoughtful interaction allows Langan’s young adult readers to recognize how they too might seek the help of adults in their own lives.

The novel also rehabilitates another adult figure: Coach Lewis. While this teacher either ignored or didn’t notice Tyray’s bullying of Darrell in gym class, he becomes a secondary mentor figure to Darrell when he joins the wrestling team. The team’s dynamics offer a strong contrast to those in the school hallways. Whereas students are eager to laugh at Tyray pushing Darrell down outside of class, his teammates offer encouragement and support despite Darrell’s lacking athletic ability. Even when Craig and Luis consistently physically overpower Darrell on the wrestling mat, they praise him about how far he’s come and remind him that they’ve been wrestling for years. This strong example of teamwork is in part due to Coach Lewis, who fosters mutual appreciation and camaraderie between his players. The coach is also good at teasing out his wrestlers’ strengths: Darrell’s size alone will never yield victories, so Coach Lewis impresses upon Darrell that he can beat an opponent who is stronger than him if he uses his brain, again developing the theme of smarts versus strength. In contrast to his earlier attempts to do pushups, Darrell doesn’t give up or feel as helpless. He gives his all and keeps up with his new teammates. Even though he can’t climb the rope, he resolves to return tomorrow and keep trying.

Wrestling provides a framework for Darrell to change in many ways. It physically helps him grow stronger and more athletic, teaches him new skills that he can use to feel more physically assured of himself and capable, and proves that tenacity and hard work pay off. It also helps him learn to feel more okay about losing in front of other people. Being less afraid of embarrassment means that Darrell doesn’t have to avoid things that might bring him joy. Even though Darrell loses his first official match, he is proud of his performance.

The novel contrasts positive male role models Mr. Mitchell and Coach Lewis with the negative example of Uncle Jason. Uncle Jason’s way of Defining Being a Man is strength based, so it is not surprising that Darrell’s near success in the wrestling match results only in hurtful comments from Uncle Jason. Unlike Coach Lewis, who encourages Darrell to work hard and use his smarts, and unlike Mr. Mitchell, who advises Darrell to keep learning and develop resilience, Uncle Jason focuses on Darrell’s appearance, shames Darrell about his loss, and reminisces about bullying a fellow wrestler in high school. However, while Darrell remained silent during earlier run-ins with Uncle Jason, now he pushes back, calling out Uncle Jason’s shaming comments and refusing to internalize them.