Four Eyes

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying.

The central figure of the memoir Four Eyes is the author, Rex. The story centers on his first year of middle school and the many changes he experiences during that year. These changes push him to mature, to reassess his perspective, and to make new friends. In the first days of school, Rex already starts to lose Drew to his bid for popularity, and Victor immediately starts bullying everyone around him. Victor’s bullying starts to focus on Rex, and Rex experiences regular harassment and teasing. Rex can see that Victor isn’t worth befriending and leaves the group to be on his own. This decision demonstrates independent thought that is rare in someone his age. He’d rather be alone than act against his morals.

Rex’s problems at home, stemming from his adjusting to a blended family and the family’s financial struggles, thematically illustrate Accepting One’s Family. The family’s financial difficulties affect him when his mother can only afford to buy him cheap brown glasses, and he can’t stand the sight of himself. Even his mother struggles to find a way to compliment how he looks.