Story Review of Seventh Grade

Gary Soto’s short story Seventh Grade captures the struggles of adolescence through the eyes of Victor, a young boy starting his first day of seventh grade. In his quest to impress Teresa, a girl he has a crush on, Victor goes through a series of humorous and awkward experiences that reveal the complexities of growing up. Throughout the story, Soto explores several important themes, such as the awkwardness of adolescence, the desire for self-improvement and confidence, and the importance of being true to oneself. These themes are woven into Victor’s character arc as he learns valuable lessons about identity, relationships, and personal growth. Ultimately, Seventh Grade demonstrates how the pursuit of external validation can lead to self-awareness and the realization that being authentic is far more important than pretending to be someone else.

The awkwardness of adolescence is shown when Victor finds his first love, Teresa, a girl he finds ‘cute’ and later finds himself doing whatever it takes to impress her. Victor’s first day of seventh grade is filled with uncertainty and discomfort as he tries to navigate the social environment of middle school. This awkwardness is most evident in his interactions with Teresa, the girl he likes. In an attempt to stand out and impress her, Victor awkwardly uses French phrases he doesn’t really understand. His efforts to appear sophisticated and mature only draw attention to his lack of knowledge, leaving him feeling embarrassed. This theme is universal, as most adolescents experience similar feelings of self-consciousness when they try to fit in or impress others. Victor’s awkwardness is not just a personal trait but a reflection of the broader experience of adolescence, where figuring out how to act in social situations often involves trial, error, and discomfort.

Victor’s endless desire for self-improvement and confidence makes him stand out as the main character, as we delve deeper into his true intentions. Throughout the story, Victor wants to be perceived as confident and capable, especially by Teresa. His decision to pretend to speak French is motivated by a desire to appear smarter and more sophisticated. In doing so, he believes he will impress Teresa and gain her affection. However, his lack of actual knowledge about French reveals that his confidence is built on a false foundation. This desire to project an image of confidence without truly possessing the qualities he seeks is a common struggle during adolescence, when young people often feel pressure to appear flawless. Soto emphasizes that true confidence comes from a sense of self-assurance and self-awareness, not from the adoption of superficial traits or behaviors. Through his experience, Victor learns that confidence cannot be faked, and it must come from embracing one's true self.

The importance of authenticity and being true to oneself makes its entrance at the main turning point in Gary Soto’s novel. Throughout the story, Victor's attempts to impress Teresa by pretending to be someone he is not fail to produce the results he hopes for. Despite his initial embarrassment, Victor begins to realize that trying to be someone else only leads to discomfort and misunderstanding. By the end of the story, he understands that being authentic is far more valuable than putting on a facade. This lesson is reinforced by the way his French teacher, Mr. Bueller, responds to his awkwardness with encouragement rather than ridicule. Mr. Bueller does not mock Victor for his failed French attempt but instead plays along, allowing Victor to feel more at ease. This moment shows Victor that it's okay to make mistakes and that authenticity is not about being perfect but being genuine. Through this realization, Victor finds a sense of peace in his imperfections and is able to engage with Teresa in a more honest and relaxed way.

Seventh Grade by Gary Soto offers a poignant exploration of the challenges that come with adolescence. Through the story of Victor’s first day of seventh grade, Soto examines the awkwardness of growing up, the desire to present oneself as confident, and the importance of authenticity in relationships. Victor’s journey—from trying to impress Teresa with a fake French accent to learning that being himself is the key to success—reflects the universal struggles of self-discovery. Ultimately, the story suggests that while adolescence may be filled with confusion and mistakes, it also provides valuable opportunities for growth. By the end of the story, Victor learns that true confidence comes from embracing one’s own identity, and that being authentic is the most important way to connect with others.