The Misfits

Throughout the novel, Bobby learns why it is important not to judge a person based on one’s first impression of them. A strong example of this is Mr. Kellerman. Bobby sees Mr. Kellerman, his supervisor at the department store, as mean and strict. Some employees even call him Killer Man. Bobby tries to imagine what Mr. Kellerman does outside of work, but thinks, “My mind draws a blank” (10). Eventually, Bobby asks Pam what she thinks of Mr. Kellerman. Pam agrees Mr. Kellerman is “a grouch” but says she believes, “‘[I]f somebody’s a grouch, it’s usually because they’re not happy. And if they’re not happy, there’s a reason for it’” (45). Bobby considers Pam’s words and realizes he can’t judge Mr. Kellerman so harshly because there may be a reason to his unhappiness. Bobby realizes, “[N]ow that I’ve heard what Pam has to say about him, I can’t see him as 100% cranky anymore, or 100% terrible, or 100% anything except maybe 100% human [...] [T]hinking of somebody as 100% human seriously gets in the way of hating him” (46). Eventually, Mr. Kellerman’s mother dies, and he shares more about his personal life with Bobby. Bobby feels sympathy toward Mr. Kellerman after hearing his story. Even though Bobby still may not want to be like Mr. Kellerman by the end of the story, he realizes he can’t judge Mr. Kellerman so harshly because he didn’t realize what Mr. Kellerman has been through.

During his campaign speech for the No-Name Party, Bobby tells his classmates, “If you haven’t been called any of those names, think about the ones you have been called. Is that who you are?” (251). Usually, mean names are based on someone’s first impression of another person, but Bobby points out that there is usually more to a person’s story below the surface. This is why it is hurtful to make assumptions about an individual without getting to know them.

The Misfits is a coming-of-age novel which means it follows young people as they go through a pivotal time in their life. As a 12-year-old, Bobby often thinks about what it means to grow up. Early on, Bobby wonders “if ‘not a happy person’ is part of the definition of ‘adult’” (65) after observing Mr. Kellerman’s and his own father’s unhappiness. Bobby and his friends also realize that the expectations placed upon them are often different the older they get. Skeezie remembers a time he and Joe held hands as kindergarten field trip buddies. A woman commented on how cute they were. But, Skeezie observes, if they were to hold hands as seventh grade boys, they could be mocked, judged, or even called homophobic names. Skeezie says, “I mean, how come little kids are cute to everybody, doesn’t matter what they do, but when you do the same things a little older you aren’t cute anymore. Y’know? I mean, what kinda stinkin’ deal is that?” (123).

As kids get older, they are expected to fit into society’s expectations of them, something that is especially difficult for the Gang of Five, who are often bullied for their perceived status as outcasts. Young people, especially during the pivotal years when they are trying to figure things out for themselves, often feel like everything is a big deal. Bobby reflects on this idea when he says, “When you’re living through it, though, especially when you are twelve and you think the whole world is changing until you realize it isn’t the whole world, it’s you [...] It’s all so big you think it can kill you. But it doesn’t” (224-225). Being young can be overwhelming. Young people go through a lot of changes as they try to reconcile their identities with the world around them. For example, Bobby considers himself to be someone who is quiet and who follows the rules.

However, Bobby overcomes his shyness, gives a speech in front of the whole school, and realizes he is someone who can speak up and make a difference. At the final Forum meeting of the novel, Addie announces the topic, “What I Want to Be When I Grow Up” (267). As young people, it is common to wonder about the future. Bobby explains, “I always thought I would stay right here in Paintbrush Falls and just have a job the way my dad does. Sales or something. Now I’m not so sure” (269-270). After giving the campaign speech at school, Bobby’s idea of himself as a grown-up changes. At the end of the novel, it is revealed that Bobby becomes a senator. The theme of growing up is significant to this novel because, like most preteens, Bobby and his friends are trying to figure out how to be adults as they go, only to discover new things about themselves along the way.