Wink

The story’s focus is an aggressive form of eye cancer that threatens Ross’s vision as well as his life; eyes are therefore central to the story and its themes, symbolizing concepts like control and communication and reminding readers to Never Judge by Appearances. Ross places great stock in the power eyes possess. That he reaches for visual art whenever he encounters a problem illustrates this; he envisions a way to seize control of the situation and then executes his vision in his sketchbook (particularly in the Batpig comics). Other people’s eyes, however, hold power over Ross because those eyes can judge, mock, pity, and shame him. He’d rather avoid people’s eyes for most of the story, assuming those people are like him and base their opinions on appearances. After his eye literally loses its focus and he metaphorically sees that his opinion of Sarah was based on a façade, he takes control over what others see with his rowdy performance and his mohawk.

The scene when Dr. Sheffler conveys the bad news about Ross’s tumor to the Maloys is an example of eyes’ symbolism. Sheffler looks each of the Maloys in the eye before he speaks, suggesting serious communication and close attention.