Too Bright to See Essay Questions

What is the meaning of the book's title?

The book's title refers to a description that Bug gives at the beginning of the book. He says that imagining himself as a teenage girl is like staring directly into the sun, which is "too bright to see." What he means by this is that the idea of being a girl feels intense and unsettling, causing him pain the same way staring into the sun would. The title describes this unpleasant sensation as a way of conveying Bug's discomfort with being perceived as a girl.

What is the meaning of Bug's nightmares?

Bug has various nightmares throughout the book. He is a skeleton in one, applying lipstick before a mirror. He is crushed by a deluge of dresses in another and, later, pursued by a group of mannequins. All of these dreams depict Bug's fear of being seen as a girl, as they are all entwined with the different elements of feminine appearance (makeup, clothing) that make him uncomfortable. These nightmares reflect how frightening the idea of becoming a teenage girl is to Bug.

What is Roderick trying to tell Bug?

Roderick tells Bug, through the Ouija board, to "be yourself." What he means by this is that Bug should be true to who he actually is. Later, when Bug discovers a series of pamphlets on being transgender, he realizes that Roderick was trying to tell him something about gender. Finally, after Roderick cuts his hair, Bug sees that he has been a boy all along. Roderick has been trying to tell Bug he shouldn't conform to the way other people see him. Roderick seems to understand what Bug is struggling with and doesn't want to miss the chance to tell him that he can identify in whatever way he chooses.

Why does Bug feel less close to his mother after his uncle's death?

Bug feels less close to his mother because he doesn't want to share his issues about gender with her. Bug is concerned that his mother is too overwhelmed to help him, as she is grieving and also has financial problems. As a result, he tries to lighten the burden on her by trying to be cheerful most of the time. This puts a strain on their relationship, as he cannot talk to her about the things that are worrying him. This is resolved at the end of the book, when they embrace after Bug tells her he is a boy.

What does Bug see in Moira and Griffin?

Bug's two closest friends are Moira and Griffin. Moira has been his friend since childhood, while Griffin is a new friend. In Moira, he sees elements of femininity that confuse and frighten him. Moira gives him a makeover that makes him feel uncomfortable, as he feels like he's made into something he is not. In contrast, looking at Griffin makes Bug feel somewhat envious, as Griffin's masculine appearance is how Bug sees himself. Ultimately, when Bug realizes he is a boy, he is able to be good friends with both of them, but before that they reflect what he thinks he might be and what he knows he is not, in terms of gender.