The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Ms. Rochambeau explains the proper way to discredit one’s opponent: “We respectfully point out the holes in an opponent’s argument, but we don’t attack the person themselves. It’s their argument that isn’t as good as yours, not them” (79). The novel provides examples of both kinds of argumentation and how they function in the real world. Part of Zoey’s character arc is learning the difference between fair and unfair argumentation. Lenny knows how to argue in a way that’s impossible to beat because he manipulates his opponents’ words. To the untrained observer and to the opponents themselves, logic is on Lenny’s side. Eventually, Zoey learns that the way Lenny argues is unfair, and worse; it’s abusive. This knowledge enables her to use fair means like physical evidence, investigation, the law, and compassionate listening to build a case against and ultimately defeat a seemingly unbeatable opponent.

The author provides other examples of fair versus unfair arguing at school. When the students give their presentations on which animal is the best, they bully a girl named Holly when she defends the giraffe. Kaylee Vine, the girl who bullied Zoey about turning in her assignment, fires a barrage of questions at Holly aimed at discrediting her idea. While Kaylee’s questions may be valid, her manner is aggressive, and she doesn’t give Holly a chance to respond. Ms. Rochambeau intervenes, but by the time she invites Holly to reply, Holly is browbeaten and “practically whispers” a concession to Kaylee. Zoey notes that Holly is nice. This is important because it shows how aggressive personalities have the upper hand in an unfair world. Kaylee is aware of her behavior, and after she beats Holly, Zoey notices, Kaylee smirks. Like Lenny, Kaylee can recognize weaker opponents and uses bullying tactics to overcome them.

Gender sometimes has a role in the dynamics of fair versus unfair argumentation. Although Kaylee is an example of a female bully, and Silas an example of a male victim of bullying, the novel’s power dynamics break down mostly along gender lines, with men being in superior positions to women. In debate club, Lydia notes that an example in their textbook is probably a boy attacking a girl because one debater calls the other soft and overdramatic. When Lydia makes this point, Matt laughs and says, “whatever.” Lydia points out that his dismissal of her remark—and his subsequent claim that he was joking—are both attempts to unfairly discredit her. Though the incident is minor, it powerfully exemplifies the subtle behaviors that abusers use to undermine their victims. Ms. Rochambeau can manage these dynamics in the controlled world of the classroom, but no one can intervene at home when Lenny is abusing Kara or when Michael is abusing Fuchsia and Crystal. By presenting the theme of fair versus unfair argumentation, the author conveys that one can’t recognize abuse or bullying unless one knows that an alternative exists.