The Importance of Self-Esteem

As the story begins, Troy has very obvious issues with his self-esteem. He is constantly referring to himself and his obesity in a negative light. He is also contemplating suicide. When Curt wants to befriend him and when he invites Troy to join his band, Troy doesn't believe it's actually happening to him. He persuades himself that the entire afternoon and evening were part of a hallucination before he goes to school the next day and discovers that it all was real. The fact that Curt really does want to be his friend gives him a boost and helps him see himself in a new light. He realizes he does have something to offer others.

Throughout the story Troy has some setbacks, but overall his self-esteem grows. In contrast to Troy's initial low self esteem, both Curt and Dayle seem to have good things going...