Ghosts in fiction are often metaphors that reflect broader themes. In Too Bright to See, Roderick’s ghost represents a mentor figure and serves as a guide for Bug as he grows up. The ghost helps Bug discover his transgender identity and navigate through The Grieving Process. While Bug is devastated by his uncle’s death, he is comforted by the realization that Roderick is trying to send him a message; in a way, their relationship can continue even though Roderick is dead. 

Bug is not afraid of ghosts, and his belief in ghosts is one that he and Roderick shared. The two used to bond over scary stories and talk about the ghosts that haunt their old house. In many ways, Bug is prepared for his uncle to come back as a spirit, which helps him easily accept the fact that his uncle is haunting him. He is already comfortable with the idea of ghosts and does not think of them as scary or malevolent, though his uncle’s ghost does frighten him on occasion.

Makeup and clothing are deeply connected to Bug’s feelings of discomfort. Bug’s experiences with both demonstrate how difficult it is for him to feel like a girl. When