Fuzzy Mud

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Chapters 8-15

Chapters16-23

Chapters 24-31

Chapters 32-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

Equations

Sachar includes many equations in Fuzzy Mud. The math represents the exponential growth of the dangerous, mutated ergonyms—and the inexorable speed at which the earth’s population is increasing. The equations symbolize both natural and manmade threats to humankind and, as a literary device, help increase suspense and tension, as Fitzman’s creation increasingly escapes scientific control. This makes the sci-fi threat more credible, paralleling the increasingly likely real-life disasters that overpopulation will generate.

In addition, Sachar refers to human interactions and emotions as different kinds of equations. Math was Marshall’s best subject before Chad arrived. When Chad isn’t in class, Marshall’s confidence in working the math equations returns, only to disappear again when Mrs. Thaxton arrives. The equations reflect Marshall’s emotions—his initial self-assurance and subsequent fear about his lie: “The equations remained on the whiteboard, unsolved” (73)—much as Marshall’s emotions remain conflicted. Meanwhile, Tamaya thinks of her life, in part, as an equation. She feels that because of her parents’ divorce, she’s living two “half lives” that “added together didn’t quite equal a whole life” (77). Human feelings can be described in mathematical terms but don’t have mathematical solutions.

Ergonyms

The word “ergonym” was coined by N.V. Podolskaya, a Russian linguist, in 1978. The term refers to the proper names of the groups of organizations and associations that make up a city, like educational institutions, shops, banks, businesses, movie theaters, and sports stadiums. Ergonyms reflect a city’s daily life and history. In having Fitzman use this name for his new life form, Sachar implies that on a meta level the ergonyms will become a part of every human community—one way or another—or that the ergonyms reflect their own civilization.

Fitzman’s “ergies” primarily symbolize ethical, environmental dilemmas. They’re a new form of life yet are killed to power automobile engines, and the question is whether this is morally acceptable. The ergies also symbolize the dangers that can occur when humans use science to alter the natural world. The new ergonyms have the potential to both help and harm human life, and this potential plays out: They proven to be a clean energy source while also the source of a devastating epidemic. Fitzman is proud of his creation, and his statements make it seem harmless and under control—but Tamaya and others experience the horrific truth: Fitzman’s confidence is misplaced.

Tamaya’s Sweater

Tamaya’s school sweater bears the Woodridge Academy motto, “Virtue and Valor.” The sweater symbolizes Tamaya’s pride in attending the historic school and her strong belief in living its values. The sweater embodies Tamaya: her love of the school and what it represents—and her moral identity. Consequently, Tamaya is distressed when she discovers a hole in the sweater after following Marshall through the woods. Not only is the sweater expensive to replace for her hard-working mother, but the hole illustrates Tamaya’s regret for breaking the rules. The hole is physical evidence of her wounded virtue and represents the lie she’ll have to uphold to protect Marshall.

Throughout the novel, the sweater continues to represent virtue and valor. Tamaya uses it to wipe the mud off her foot when she returns to the woods to help Chad, showing that—this time—breaking the rules is a selfless, virtuous act. Tamaya hangs the sweater as a banner, creating a wake-up call for Marshall, who bravely follows to help her. Marshall later uses his own sweater to clean the mud from Tamaya’s face, revealing that he’s compassionately putting others ahead of himself. In rejecting Fitzy’s offer of riches and asking only for a replacement of her school sweater, Tamaya again illustrates her thoughtfulness and humility. Her new sweater reaffirms her strong moral character.

Tree Climbing

Chad spends his free time by himself, climbing trees in the woods and searching for the highest one. He nails planks to the trees to make small steps and places boards at the top to sit on. Chad’s tree climbing symbolizes his desire to be free from the unhappiness he experiences at home—and from the tough front he’s forced to maintain at school. Climbing trees is his escape into a positive headspace—and reveals positive aspects of Chad’s character. Tamaya notices that when Chad talks about climbing trees, he seems to have more energy. Climbing trees allows him to strive toward a goal. In addition, Chad reveals his aesthetic appreciation for the beauty of the view from the tallest trees: “You can see for miles” (146).

However, Chad’s tree climbing reflects his isolation too: He climbs trees alone, indicating that despite his popularity at school, he doesn’t have close friends. Chad’s tree climbing reveals his emotional vulnerability and self-consciousness. He’s embarrassed to tell Marshall about his pursuit, thinking that Marshall would criticize tree climbing as something “stupid” that a “little kid” would do. Using one of Chad’s planked trees, however, Marshall guides Tamaya and Chad to help with their rescue.

At the end of the novel, Chad shares his tree climbing experience with Marshall and Tamaya. His willingness to share this private part of himself reflects his newfound friendship and his positive attitude toward life, showing that he has found the “goodness that lived inside his heart” (47), for which Tamaya prayed.