Fudge-a-Mania

In the Introduction of this edition of Fudge-a-Mania, Blume reintroduces the story’s major characters for those who have either forgotten their previous tales or who are reading the series out of order. While each story in the Fudge series is connected, this technique allows them to be read and enjoyed on their own as well and establishes the dynamic that exists between Peter and Fudge. They are both headstrong and clever in their own ways, and the brothers regularly compete for attention and pride. At the restaurant, for example, Peter and Fudge get in a lengthy debate about their names and what they prefer to be called, digging at one another intentionally. If not for Peter’s occasional kind gestures toward Fudge, such as helping him find his bird, one might assume that Peter dislikes his brother. By the same token, it is clear that Fudge looks up to Peter, is hurt when Peter purposely bothers him, and parrots things that Peter says in an effort to get on his level. For instance, Fudge asks the waiter, “Do you have cooties?” (8), after hearing about cooties from Peter. Although the boys have these conflicts often, their parents always manage to stay calm and, by doing so, demonstrate The Importance of Levity in the face of life’s stressors.

In the opening chapter, the reader sees Peter Navigating Chaotic Family Life, which sets the tone for the entire novel. Peter’s vacation seems to be full of one terrible piece of news after another, a pattern that begins before they have even left for the trip. Upon arriving in Maine, Peter finds it unimaginable that they’ll be sharing a house with the Tubmans. Making matters worse is the fact that Peter already assured Jimmy, “You won’t even be able to see her house. There’ll probably be a forest separating us” (11). Peter also faces constant demands for his attention from his siblings, has to deal with Uncle Feather often, and tolerates decisions his parents make that he finds detestable, like the decision to share a house with the Tubmans.

Sheila’s presence, especially, becomes a central source of conflict for Peter, as one of his Trials of Approaching Adolescence entails figuring out how to interact with girls his age. He sees them as a general threat, tells Fudge and his parents that they have cooties, and acts standoffish with Sheila for most of the vacation. Sheila’s character is introduced as someone who is arrogant and defensive, as she calls Peter’s dog disgusting and is afraid to go near him. Over the three weeks they are together, however, Sheila’s defensiveness slips away, along with Peter’s. In contrast with Peter’s hesitation around girls is Fudge’s fully honest bravado. He declares that he plans to marry Sheila (the reason for which he does not explain until much later) and starts treating her like his wife. Peter finds Fudge’s confidence strange and confusing and reacts by making fun of him by pretending to faint.

Judy Blume employs a light and simplistic writing style infused with humor. Humor can be found in the characters’ personalities, in the situations they find themselves in, and in sarcasm and wit through dialogue. Peter and Fudge are both strong sources of humor in the novel, although Peter’s humor is more intentional, while Fudge is often just being himself. The result is often ironic or slapstick humor that illustrates the unusual situations that young children, particularly precocious ones, find themselves in. One such example is while the family is at the restaurant and Fudge screams, “Don’t call me Farley! I’m Fudge!” (7), prompting the waiter’s misunderstanding and proclamation that the restaurant is out of fudge. The scene pokes fun at Fudge’s nickname as well as his characteristically overdramatized responses. A further example of irony occurs after Sheila calls Turtle disgusting, and he gets sprayed by a skunk and proves her right, which is the first of many mishaps that occur during the trip. In addition to the humor found in the novel, Blume relies on simple language and relatable scenarios to tell her stories, and while she occasionally dabbles in absurdity, her characters and their experiences remain realistic.