From the first excerpts of his testimony to the U.S. Sachar explores the theme most directly through Jonathan Fitzman, the eccentric creator of Biolene. Hubris-excessive self-confidence or pride-is another important theme in Fuzzy Mud. Ultimately, Sachar shows how bullying can plunge people into a defensive psychological state in which it feels as though they can trust no one. Sachar builds on the theme with Marshall's unkind treatment of Tamaya: Although Marshall recognizes she is the only student who isn't mean to him, he cannot help but snap at her during their walks to and from school. As a result, other students follow Chad's example and pick on Marshall as well, reducing him to a social pariah who resents having to attend school and whose grades are slipping. For no reason he can discern, Marshall has become Chad's target. The narrator addresses the theme more directly in the third chapter with an extended commentary on Marshall's misery and confusion. This image is the first hint Sachar gives the reader that Marshall is disturbed by the bullying to which he has been subject since Chad joined the school. Sachar subtly introduces the theme at the end of the first chapter: Cutting away from Tamaya socializing with her friends over lunch, the narrator's focus lands on Marshall across the lunchroom, where he sits silent and alone. Explored primarily through Chad's treatment of Marshall, bullying is a major theme in Fuzzy Mud.
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