Victor, a seventh-grader living in Fresno, CA, arrives for his first day of school. He is excited to see Teresa, a girl he likes and hopes to impress.
Failing Action
why won't these dumb kids leave
Throughout the day, Victor talks to his friend Michael and attends his new classes. All day, he is distracted by the thought of seeing Teresa in French class. When French class finally arrives, Victor rashly claims that he can speak French and ends up speaking gibberish when his teacher asks for a demonstration. Victor feels humiliated in front of Teresa.
Resolution
Victor’s agony comes to a head when he and Teresa are the last ones left with their teacher, Mr. Bueller. Teresa says she was impressed by Victor’s French, and it is clear she did not realize he had made it up. Victor waits in terror for Mr. Bueller to correct Teresa, but he does not.
Theme
Victor tells Teresa he knows just a little French from movies and books. Teresa takes an interest in him and suggests that they study French together.
Victor decides that he likes Mr. Bueller and that seventh grade is going to be a good year.