Mr Stink

This section adds to the book’s theme of The Harmful Stigma Against Poverty as Mr. Stink tries to advocate for the unhoused population during his TV appearance. While some people are interested in his opinions, Mrs. Crumb is upset that he is being included in the show. When she can no longer pretend to like Mr. Stink and her lies have been revealed, Mrs. Crumb shares her snobbish opinions with her audience, saying, “Well, as if anyone would want that old tramp in their house” (160). Mrs. Crumb’s derogatory language adds to the stigma of Mr. Stink’s poverty and solidifies her role as the antagonist in the story. Her outburst also serves as a pivotal moment in her character arc, revealing her true nature and reinforcing the public’s rejection of superficiality and prejudice. Walliams uses this scene to juxtapose authenticity and hypocrisy, prompting reflection on the importance of integrity.

Mr. Stink’s plea to the public adds to the story’s theme on the Individual Experiences of Unhoused People. He uses his television appearance to ask the public to show unhoused people compassion, suggesting that people try to speak with them instead of ignoring them. This will not only make them feel more included, but Mr. Stink believes that people will have a better understanding of poverty and homelessness if they connect with unhoused people in this personal way. He says, “[E]ach homeless person has a different story to tell. Perhaps if people in the audience tonight, or those watching at home, stopped to talk to the homeless people in their town, they would realize that” (184). This dialogue underscores a personal humanization of unhoused people by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the diversity of their experiences. Walliams uses Mr. Stink’s words to advocate for empathy and understanding, a message that resonates universally. Mr. Stink’s own backstory remains a mystery at this point in the text, adding suspense and interest to the story. Chloe’s imagination runs wild with possibilities, and she admits that she has “millions of theories” about where he may have come from (196). She asks, “Well, can you tell me your story? I mean, why did you end up on the streets?” (196). Mr. Stink’s promise to tell Chloe his story bolsters their already trusting and reciprocal friendship. This suspense is also a narrative device for engagement while emphasizing the novel’s theme of the Individual Experiences of Unhoused People, highlighting that everyone’s story matters, even if it remains untold for a time. By delaying the reveal of Mr. Stink’s past, Walliams mirrors the way the experiences of unhoused individuals are often ignored.

Many of the public support Mr. Stink’s message and appreciate his down-to-earth demeanor. His newfound popularity was only possible because of Chloe’s support, adding to the book’s theme of The Impact of Kindness and Generosity. Mr. Stink reveals that it was Chloe, not Mrs. Crumb, who stopped to speak with him and invited him to live in her shed. Mr. Stink shares that this act of kindness made a big difference to him in his time of need. Mr. Stink praises Chloe’s generosity, saying, “She’s only twelve but she’s an absolutely fantastic girl. One of the sweetest, kindest people I have ever met” (186). This heartfelt acknowledgment highlights Chloe’s role as a moral compass within the story, contrasting her mother’s self-serving actions. Chloe’s kindness represents the transformative power of small, sincere gestures. Mr. Stink rewards Chloe for her kindness by inviting her to join him in his meeting with the prime minister: “‘Us?’ said Chloe. ‘You don’t think I was going to go without you, do you?’” (213). Chloe and Mr. Stink’s mutual kindness and generosity helps them build a unique and supportive friendship.

Walliams also uses satire in these chapters to critique performative politics. The prime minister’s insincere actions toward Mr. Stink, such as refusing to shake his hand and using him as a political pawn, mirror the shallow gestures often employed by those in power to feign inclusivity. This not only highlights systemic neglect but also reinforces the story’s message, depicted through Mr. Stink’s public conversations: that genuine care and understanding must replace performativity.