The image of fire in Trent’s chest functions symbolizes Trent’s volatile rage and anxiety. This symbol is introduced in Chapter 1 when Trent is upset by Jeremiah’s accusatory tone when demanding the baseball back. Trent describes an internal fire that “start[s] like a ball in [his] chest” and evolves into “[h]ot, prickly fire skin, all over” (11). Trent’s fire causes him to act impulsively, which leads to him escalating the conflict with Jeremiah. Trent’s fire also causes him to argue with his dad at dinner, leading to Trent storming out to walk home, “clenching and unclenching [his] fists to try to work some of the fire out of them” (28). Trent’s quick-to-ignite fire leads to many interpersonal conflicts, with fire symbolizing both the physical symptoms of rage and the way that it can spread quickly and aggressively.

His fire begins to manifest more violently as the novel progresses. In Chapter 8, Trent responds aggressively when Annie reveals a prank to the boys’ mom. He narrates, “The fire in my chest was burning hot” (106), before throwing his bowl across the table in anger. Trent’s violent behavior peaks in Chapter 14 when he confronts Jeremiah at the movie theater.