Runaway Ralph

Rebelling against authority, societal expectations, and adulthood, in general, is an inherently risky but essential element of maturation. Cleary offers a complex picture of that necessary childhood rebellion both in Garf and in Ralph. Although both characters experience negative consequences of their rebellion, it is the rebellion itself that broadens their worlds and allows both boy and mouse to discover new perspectives. Those new perspectives and broadening minds are the hallmarks of the beginning of real maturity. Although The Allure of Rebellion is initially prompted by immaturity, throughout the novel, Cleary demonstrates that rebellion is a natural and necessary part of growing up.

Ralph’s rebellion begins at the bar and culminates with his choice to run away. He breaks the rules by riding his motorcycle into the bar, a place metaphorically linked to adulthood and potential danger. Ralph’s Uncle Lester is angry with him and says, “A bar is no place for a young mouse” (11), while his mother adds, “You will fall in with evil companions” (11). Their reaction to a minor rebellious act is to insist that he share his motorcycle, which impinges on his autonomy, leading him to the larger rebellion of running away from the hotel. When Ralph prepares to leave, he explains to Matt that he is “tired of being bossed around […].