Student Question
How does Peter feel about Fudge doing the commercial in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing?
Quick answer:
Peter feels shocked, jealous, and hurt when Fudge is unexpectedly chosen to star in a Toddle Bike commercial. He initially believes Mr. Vincent is referring to him, only to be disappointed when Fudge is selected. Peter's jealousy is evident as he imagines Fudge becoming wealthy and famous while he remains "a fourth grade nothing." Despite these feelings, Peter ultimately helps Fudge perform correctly for the commercial, showcasing his supportive nature.
In Chapter 8 of Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Peter
is extremely shocked and jealous when Fudge is chosen by Mr.
Vincent, president of the Toddle-Bike company, to do his commercial.
During this chapter, Fudge and Peter spend the day at their father's
advertising agency because Peter doesn't have school that day. Neither of them
know about the audition for the TV commercial advertising the Toddle-Bike and
learn about the audition while being given a tour of the agency by their
father's secretary, Janet. When they walk into the room where the audition is
being held, they are surprised to see Mr. Vincent look at them, point, and
exclaim, "There he is! That's the kid I want! ... Perfect! ... He's perfect."
(p. 55). Peter at first thinks Mr. Vincent is speaking of him and is
crushed when Mr. Vincent scoops up Fudge and brings...
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him into the next room were Mr. Hatcher is with the director of the commercial.
Mr. Hatcher at first refuses to give permission to use Fudge in the commercial,
knowing Fudge is likely to wreak havoc. When Mr. Hatcher finally agrees,
Peter shows jealousy by asking if Fudge would "get paid" and
pictures Fudge with "lots of money in the bank" and himself having to "borrow
from [Fudge]" (p. 56). He further thinks to himself that he would rather starve
than ask Fudge for money. Peter also tries to persuade Mr.
Vincent not to use Fudge by pointing out that Fudge has no front teeth
and that he "cut off all his hair two months ago," but Mr. Vincent remains
insistent (p. 56). It is also in this chapter that the title of the book is
reflected, as Peter thinks to himself how famous Fudge will be while he himself
will be "plain old Peter Hatcher--fourth grade nothing" (p. 57).
However, Peter is redeemed once again when, during filming, Fudge refuses to do
as he's told. Peter has to show fudge how to ride the bike. After that, Fudge
does as Mr. Vincent wants him to do.
In Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, how does Peter feel about Fudge's commercial role?
Peter is hurt, angry, and disappointed when Fudge is chosen to star in the Toddle Bike commercial.
In the story, Peter and his little brother Fudge look forward to a weekend with their father, Mr. Hatcher, while their mother is in Boston. Mrs. Hatcher's sister has just had her new baby, so Mrs. Hatcher is flying to Boston to provide any help and support the new mother may need.
When Peter and Fudge accompany Mr. Hatcher to his office, they meet their father's new secretary, Janet, who has been tasked with watching them for the morning.
During that time, Peter notices a group of children and their mothers in the building. Janet tells him that the children are auditioning to be in the Toddle Bike commercial.
Interestingly enough, Mr. Vincent (the president of Toddle Bike) chooses Fudge upon seeing him, even though Peter's baby brother isn't trying out for a role in the commercial.
When Peter finds out that Fudge will be in the commercial instead of him, he is hurt and angry. Despite this, it is Peter who saves the day: his efforts encourage Fudge to perform (ride the bike properly) for the camera.