In the story "A Poetry for Bullies" written by Stanley Elkin, a young boy nicknamed Push finds enjoyment in torturing school children. From controlling kids on playgrounds to trying to control the new kid on the block named John Williams. John Williams then arrives and shows an alternative way to get everyone to do what he wants. Ultimately, Push should be considered the better person because he knew exactly who he was and refused to change for anyone, on the other hand John Williams offered help on several issues the boys had to convince them to follow him instead of Push. The whole story seems to be a struggle for control. Push and John should be considered equally regarding how they acted; no matter how they manipulated the person, it was still wrong. In this short story, “A Poetics for Bullies,” by Stanley Elkin, the tone of literary analysis is exhibited through Push, which means that the entire text could be conveyed to the readers in an unpleasant and jealous matter. Being told from one point of view, description and details are very limited. Push explained things the way he saw them happen. The flow of the story seems mischievous to the core. Elkin reveals “[...] And I think I could walk out now, he's still there, I could hit him in the hall, but I think. No, I want them to see, I want them to see!” (6). These words were written and meant to come from Push's mind, showing how annoying and mean he is and how far he is willing to go to get some satisfaction. Push has the desire to be in control through the mind but also physically. Bullying others only happens because he secretly wants to be accepted, but makes sure to keep it to himself. Also...middle of paper...that is not a "service animal". It can be understood that multiple characters can be this service animal; John may be because he lent his questionable helping hand, but those minor characters may also be labeled that way because they allowed John to guide them. Also, John and Push should both be considered bullies. Even though they did it in different ways, it is still obvious that both were somehow “control freaks” and should not be compared for lesser consequences. The theme, the main idea, of this story can be taken in many different directions depending on how it is viewed. Push is a bully, yet he is someone who knows what he is and what he wants. The meaning of “A Poetry for Bullies” may be “Be yourself, don't let others define you,” but that's just one aspect. This story uses its characters, tone, irony, point of view and more to present it.