In the story “A Poetry for Bullies” written by Stanley Elkin, a young boy nicknamed Push takes pleasure in torturing schoolchildren. From controlling children on the playgrounds to trying to control the new kid on the block named John Williams. John Williams then comes along and presents an alternative way to get everyone to do what they want. 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 with different issues the kids were having to get them to follow him instead of Push. The whole story seems to be a struggle for control. Push and John must be considered alike as to how they acted; no matter how they manipulated the person, it was always wrong. In this short story, “A Poetics for Bullies,” by Stanley Elkin, the tone of literary analysis is exhibited through Push, meaning the entire text can be conveyed to readers in a mean and jealous affair. Given from only one perspective, description and details are very limited. Push explained things as he saw them happening. The unfolding of the story seems mischievous until the end. Elkin reveals "[...]And I think, I could go out now, he's still here, I could punch him in the hallway, 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 troublesome and mean he is and how far he is willing to go to get some satisfaction. Push has the desire to have control both mentally and physically. His bullying others only happens because he secretly wants to be accepted, but he makes sure to keep that to himself. And... middle of paper...... it's not a "service animal". We can understand that several characters can be this service animal; John may be so because he lent his questionable aid, but these minor characters may also be labeled so because they allowed John to lead them. Additionally, both John and Push should be considered bullies. Even though they did it in different ways, it is obvious that they were both "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 you look at it. Push is a bully, but he is someone who knows what he is and what he wants. “A Poetry for Bullies” may mean “Be your own person, 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 what.