Student Question
Why does Bud in Bud, Not Buddy believe the man in the flyer is his father?
Quick answer:
Bud believes the man in the flyer is his father because his mother attached sentimental value to it, and he remembers her being emotionally moved by the flyer. He also recalls seeing his mother stare at the flyer for a long time, which suggests the person meant a lot to her. As an orphan, Bud holds onto the hope that Herman E. Calloway is his father. Later in the story, Bud discovers that Herman is actually his grandfather.
Bud incorrectly assumes the man in the flyer is his father because of a distant memory. Before Bud’s mother dies, she sees this particular blue flyer and becomes very distraught at seeing it. Because Bud’s mother becomes upset, Bud thinks that the man mentioned there must be Bud’s father. This blue flyer is now contained in the tattered suitcase that houses all of Bud’s treasures. All of the treasures are somehow connected to Bud’s mother and father. The treasures are as follows: a picture of his mother riding a horse, a set of stones with writing on them in a tobacco bag, a fuzzy blanket, and the blue flyer announcing Herman E. Calloway’s latest jazz band performance. Bud is correct in assuming each item provides a “clue” to his parents, but is incorrect about the specifics. Later in the novel, the reader finds out that the “grumpy old man” from...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
the flyer, Herman E. Calloway, is actually Bud’s grandfather. Angela Janet Caldwell (Bud’s mother) is Calloway’s daughter.
Why does Bud believe the man in the flyer is his father in Bud, Not Buddy?
There are several flyers announcing performances by Herman E. Calloway's band that were left behind by Bud's mother when she passed away. Bud cherishes these flyers and carries them in his suitcase wherever he goes. He has good reason to believe that the man in the flyer is his father because his mother cared enough to hold onto the flyers and attached sentimental value to them. Bud mentions that his mother used to keep several of the flyers on her dressing table and remembers her closely examining one of the flyers. He recalls her being extremely upset and staring at one of the flyers for an extended period of time. In addition to his mother attaching sentimental value to the flyers, Bud also feels an attachment to Herman's picture. Looking at Herman's picture gives Bud hope that he will one day reunite with his father.
As a ten-year-old orphan, Bud is naïve and allows his imagination to run wild. The memories of his mother's response to the flyers are enough evidence for Bud to consider Herman E. Calloway his father. He also finds the similarities between his last name, Caldwell, and Calloway interesting and entertains the possibility that his father may be using an alias. Bud travels to Grand Rapids in hopes of reuniting with his father and ends up introducing himself to Herman E. Calloway. After spending time with Herman and his band, Bud discovers that Herman is actually his grandfather.