The Bully explores the way physical strength affects power dynamics and hierarchies in adolescent life. Through picking up wrestling techniques and exploring resilience in the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Darrell learns that he can use his smarts to overcome his obstacles.

Darrell’s experience on the wrestling team is transformative. When Darrell first joins the team, Coach Lewis points out that despite his size, Darrell can defeat an opponent who is bigger by using strategy, reading his actions, and waiting for him to make a mistake. This concept is important to Darrell because there are aspects of his physicality that he cannot change: He cannot become bigger or stronger than his bullies. When Darrell does push-ups alone out of a generalized and seemingly futile desire to become bigger, he quickly feels defeated and abandons his workout regimen. But with wrestling, he sees a glimmer of possibility: He might be able to excel with the body he already has. This new belief in himself inspires him to work hard every day, gain strategy and strength, and develop confidence. In the story’s climax, Darrell uses his newfound self-assuredness to intimidate the substantially bigger and stronger Tyray and then relies on his wrestling techniques to take down Tyray.