Big Dumb Eyes Summary and Analysis
Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind by Nate Bargatze is a collection of humorous and lighthearted stories that reflect the author’s upbringing, family dynamics, and comedic observations on life. In this book, Bargatze brings his trademark humor, which he often displays in his stand-up comedy, to the page.
Through a series of personal anecdotes, he explores topics ranging from his childhood in Tennessee, to his time as a young adult in Chicago, to the quirks of his family and his reflections on modern life. Bargatze’s storytelling is grounded in everyday absurdities, finding comedy in the mundane and drawing on his unique Southern perspective to entertain readers without any deep or heavy messages. It’s a book meant to bring laughter, capturing the hilarity of life’s ordinary moments.
Summary
In Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind, Nate Bargatze humorously recounts various personal experiences that shaped his life, often reflecting on his Southern upbringing and the quirky individuals who influenced his development. The book opens with a lighthearted story about how the title “Big Dumb Eyes” was chosen for the book.
Bargatze initially suggested this title, which pokes fun at the way people often speak to him slowly because of his Southern accent. A funny misunderstanding ensues when the publisher hears “Big Demise,” which leads to an awkward but amusing exchange.
Bargatze also humorously shares his distaste for reading books, which plays a significant role in his stand-up routines. He assures readers that this book is meant to be fun and light, with no complex themes or deep messages.
The structure of the book is deliberately non-linear, emphasizing easy enjoyment over intricate plot development.
One of the earliest stories describes his small hometown in Tennessee, Lakewood, and its absurdly high number of police officers who mostly spent their time giving out speeding tickets. Bargatze recalls how his family frequently got pulled over, even on their way to church, providing humorous anecdotes about his mother outdriving a cop in her Mazda and the eventual disbanding of the local police force.
This segment highlights the absurdity of the town’s law enforcement, but Bargatze fondly remembers the speed trap as a defining feature of his childhood.
Another memorable section delves into his father’s profession as a professional clown and magician named Yo-Yo. As a child, Bargatze faced ridicule from his peers, who found his dad’s job embarrassing.
He recalls his seventh birthday, where his friends were more interested in watching his dad’s magic tricks than spending time with him. Despite the challenges, Bargatze later comes to appreciate his father’s resilience, particularly his ability to overcome a traumatic childhood filled with hardship.
This resilience, as well as the sense of humor that developed as a coping mechanism, played a key role in shaping Bargatze’s comedic voice.
As a child, Bargatze considered himself a genius, especially after winning a science fair with a magic trick involving a powerful magnet. However, after an accident in which he fell off a cliff and suffered a concussion, his academic performance began to decline.
This change in his intellectual abilities, combined with the arrival of a new classmate named Daniel Rucker, who excelled in every subject, led Bargatze to reflect on his lack of interest in academics. Instead, he became more focused on comedy, setting the stage for his future career.
Bargatze also shares stories of his quirky sister, Abigail. While she was shy and quiet, she had a significant influence on his life.
One story recounts how she gave him a Men in Black DVD for Christmas, a gift he pretended to dislike. When she overheard his comment, he later regretted it.
This incident reveals the complexities of sibling relationships and the small but meaningful moments that shape family bonds.
The book also highlights Bargatze’s high school years, particularly his relationship with his first car, Old Blue, a dilapidated Mazda that became a symbol of his teenage years. Although the car was far from perfect, Bargatze and his friends took pride in it, and Old Blue even became the subject of a high school competition, where it was compared to a shiny new Camaro.
This story illustrates how even something as trivial as a car can become a cherished part of one’s identity.
As the narrative progresses, Bargatze shares humorous anecdotes about his personal quirks, such as his obsession with finding the perfect socks and belts. He humorously reflects on how such small items can become overwhelming decisions, revealing his desire for simplicity amidst the chaos of everyday life.
His obsession with order extends to his clothing choices, where he avoids mixing competing brands, such as Nike and Reebok, seeking a more straightforward approach to his wardrobe.
Bargatze also touches on his time in Chicago, where he moved with his friend Michael Clay to pursue their dreams—Michael wanted to take improv classes, and Bargatze hoped to become a comic. However, their Southern accents created communication barriers, and they faced numerous cultural shocks in a city that was very different from their hometown.
Living in a small basement apartment, they struggled financially and dealt with issues like a rat infestation and the challenge of navigating city life.
Another story reflects Bargatze’s early discomfort with tipping, a situation that became even more awkward during his honeymoon in Mexico. The idea of not knowing when to tip made him anxious, and he hilariously overcompensated during his stay at an all-inclusive resort, which only added to his anxiety about the social expectations surrounding tips.
The book also touches on Bargatze’s experience with fast food, particularly his relationship with McDonald’s. As a child, he saw McDonald’s as the epitome of fast food, but when the company made changes to its menu, he felt personally betrayed.
This experience symbolizes his frustrations with change, as he tends to find comfort in the familiar and struggles when things shift unexpectedly.
As the book concludes, Bargatze shares a funny yet poignant story about his experiences with fatherhood, particularly the birth of his daughter. He reflects on his fears about being a bad father, especially when it came to cutting the umbilical cord during delivery.
However, despite his initial anxieties, he successfully cuts the cord, fulfilling his mother’s bet that he could do it. This moment marks a turning point for Bargatze, as he moves from being a self-deprecating young man to a more confident and responsible adult, still retaining his sense of humor throughout.
Through these personal anecdotes, Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind offers a humorous and relatable look at the absurdities of everyday life, family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up. The stories are filled with self-deprecating humor, highlighting Bargatze’s unique perspective on the world and his ability to find comedy in the most mundane situations.
Ultimately, the book celebrates the importance of family, personal growth, and the humor found in life’s smallest moments.
Key People
Nate Bargatze
Nate Bargatze, the author and central figure in Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind, brings his signature humor to life through his personal anecdotes. He is portrayed as a man deeply connected to his Southern roots, filled with quirks and contradictions.
His obsessive need for simplicity in life, such as meticulously choosing socks or belts, is a hallmark of his personality. However, this obsession also highlights his struggle to handle even the simplest decisions, which often lead to comedic situations.
Nate is not only a humorist but also a relatable figure, as he finds humor in the absurdity of everyday life. His reflections on his family, his childhood in Tennessee, and his comedic career reveal a man who, despite his struggles with change and responsibility, embraces life with an optimistic, albeit sometimes bewildered, outlook.
His humor is self-deprecating and often reveals the vulnerability behind his comedic exterior, making him both endearing and relatable to the audience. Whether he’s reflecting on his small-town upbringing, his high school years with Old Blue, or his awkward attempts at fatherhood, Nate’s charm lies in his ability to find humor in the ordinary, bringing lightness to life’s many challenges.
Yo-Yo (Nate’s Father)
Yo-Yo, Nate Bargatze’s father, is an integral figure in the author’s life, particularly in shaping his comedic perspective. As a professional clown and magician, Yo-Yo’s job introduced Nate to a world of performance and showmanship from an early age.
Despite the ridicule Nate faced for having a clown as a father, Yo-Yo’s influence is deeply felt throughout the book. His resilience, having survived a traumatic childhood and the hardships of living on the streets, played a significant role in forming his comedic voice.
His ability to turn personal struggles into sources of humor influenced Nate’s approach to life and comedy. Even though Yo-Yo’s profession was a source of embarrassment for Nate during his childhood, he later came to appreciate his father’s commitment to bringing joy to others, as well as his ability to maintain a sense of humor through adversity.
Yo-Yo’s character represents the theme of finding strength and purpose through humor, a value he passed down to Nate.
Abigail (Nate’s Sister)
Abigail, Nate Bargatze’s quirky and quiet sister, holds a unique place in the author’s life. Their sibling dynamic, while occasionally marked by rivalry, is underpinned by a deep affection.
Nate fondly recalls moments of connection with Abigail, such as the Christmas when she gave him a Men in Black DVD, and his regret when he pretended to dislike it in front of her. Despite their differences—Abigail’s quiet nature contrasting with Nate’s comedic exuberance—their bond is evident in the small, meaningful moments they share.
Abigail’s presence in the book is less about direct involvement in Nate’s comedy career and more about the subtle, familial connections that help shape his worldview. Her influence is seen in the way Nate looks back on their childhood with affection and a touch of regret for the small, fleeting moments they shared, making Abigail a grounding force in Nate’s otherwise absurd and humorous world.
Derek (Nate’s Brother)
Derek, Nate’s brother, plays a central role in the ongoing sibling rivalry that defines many of Nate’s family dynamics. Derek is portrayed as calm, cool, and annoyingly strategic, especially when it comes to family competitions, whether it’s card games or life challenges.
This dynamic between the brothers showcases the playful yet competitive nature of their relationship. Derek often gets under Nate’s skin with his unflappable attitude, and the subtle psychological tactics he uses to win make their interactions both comedic and relatable.
The tension between them, though often lighthearted, serves as a reminder of the challenges of being an older sibling. Their rivalry continues into adulthood, making Derek a key figure in shaping Nate’s experiences and personal growth.
Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, there’s an undeniable affection and camaraderie between the brothers, which adds depth to their interactions and highlights the humor found in family dynamics.
Laura (Nate’s Wife)
Laura, Nate’s wife, is a steadying presence in his chaotic world. Their relationship provides a grounding counterpoint to Nate’s often absurd anecdotes.
She is portrayed as both supportive and pragmatic, particularly when it comes to their contrasting views on what constitutes “shopping.” Her gentle humor and patience with Nate’s quirks add warmth to the book, and her role in their family life is crucial as they navigate the challenges of parenting and adulthood together.
Laura’s influence is most apparent in the moments when Nate struggles with responsibility—especially in the lead-up to becoming a father. Despite his humorous anxiety about fatherhood, Laura helps Nate face his fears and grow into the role.
Her presence offers a sense of balance to Nate’s impulsive nature, and their interactions highlight the humor that comes from understanding and love in a partnership.
Michael Clay (Nate’s Friend)
Michael Clay is introduced as Nate’s friend and fellow adventurer who accompanied him to Chicago in search of their dreams. While their friendship is not as deeply explored as Nate’s familial relationships, Michael serves as a mirror to Nate’s own experiences of cultural shock and adaptation.
Michael’s pursuit of improv classes in Chicago contrasts with Nate’s desire to become a comic, highlighting their different paths in the comedy world. The camaraderie between the two men is underscored by their shared sense of humor and mutual support in facing the challenges of life in a new city.
Michael’s role emphasizes Nate’s journey from Tennessee to Chicago, offering a lighthearted perspective on the difficulties of adjusting to a new environment while still holding onto the comforts of home.
Old Blue (Nate’s Car)
Old Blue, the dilapidated Mazda that Nate drove in his high school years, takes on a symbolic role in the book as a representation of Nate’s teenage rebellion and awkwardness. Despite its many flaws, Old Blue is depicted as a beloved part of Nate’s life, gaining respect among his friends and becoming a subject of ridicule in high school competitions.
The car serves as a metaphor for the challenges of growing up and finding identity, even in the most unlikely places. Through his humorous reflections on Old Blue, Nate captures the essence of youthful pride and the absurdity of finding value in something that is clearly falling apart.
Old Blue stands as a testament to Nate’s high school years, a time when he struggled with fitting in and carving out his identity, but still found humor in the most unlikely places.
Themes
Family Dynamics and Relationships
Family plays a central role in Big Dumb Eyes Stories from a Simpler Mind, with Nate Bargatze humorously dissecting the complex, sometimes absurd relationships he shares with his loved ones. The author’s relationship with his father, who was a professional clown named Yo-Yo, is explored in detail, highlighting the challenges of growing up with a parent in such an unconventional profession.
Bargatze humorously reflects on how his classmates would rather watch his father perform magic tricks on his birthday than engage with him, a reflection of the mixed feelings he had about his father’s career. Despite these feelings of embarrassment, the author acknowledges how his father’s resilience through hardship shaped his comedic approach and later success.
This theme continues throughout the book, with the author offering other anecdotes about his relationships with his sister Abigail, who was quiet and quirky but had a lasting impact on him, and his brother Derek, with whom he shares a deeply competitive yet affectionate bond. The way family members, despite their quirks and conflicts, offer the foundation for Bargatze’s personal growth and comedic outlook is key to understanding the heart of his humor.
He masterfully weaves stories of sibling rivalry, childhood competitions, and loving yet ridiculous family interactions, showcasing how these early experiences shaped his worldview and comedic voice.
Personal Growth and Identity
The theme of personal growth and the struggle to define one’s identity is explored through Bargatze’s reflections on his transition from Tennessee to Chicago. As a young man, Nate faced the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, where his Southern accent made communication difficult and his values felt out of place.
This cultural shock highlighted the contrasts between his Southern upbringing and the fast-paced, diverse world of Chicago. The author’s journey from feeling like an outsider in a big city to slowly finding his footing within the city’s comedy scene mirrors the broader experience of self-discovery and maturation.
His observations about how his identity evolved—through his early experiences with comedy, his struggles with tipping, and even the way he navigated relationships with new people—paint a picture of a man coming to terms with both his personal limitations and his potential. Through humorous stories, such as his discomfort with the responsibilities of fatherhood, Nate Bargatze illustrates how these moments of growth are often accompanied by moments of self-doubt, but they are also a source of rich comedic material.
His process of reconciling his childhood experiences with his adult life is filled with a mix of humor and humility, making the theme of personal growth both relatable and entertaining.
The Absurdity of Everyday Life
Big Dumb Eyes Stories from a Simpler Mind finds much of its humor in the absurdity of everyday life. From his obsession with perfect socks to the comically low-stakes drama of church basketball, Nate Bargatze skillfully highlights how minor decisions and experiences can feel overwhelming and significant.
The recurring theme of being overwhelmed by seemingly trivial choices, such as picking socks or dealing with a rat infestation, serves as a metaphor for how humans often project weight onto the smallest details of their lives. These absurd situations are made even more relatable by the author’s down-to-earth perspective.
Bargatze’s humorous take on his life’s complications, whether they involve misunderstandings with food orders or navigating his own misguided beliefs about his abilities, offers readers a comedic yet insightful commentary on the human tendency to blow minor events out of proportion. The absurdity of these moments, paired with Bargatze’s ability to laugh at himself, creates a broader reflection on how everyone experiences these small but frustrating moments, and how they ultimately add to the comedy of life.
The Importance of Simplicity
A recurring theme in Bargatze’s work is his pursuit of simplicity amidst the complexities of modern life. His obsession with small, seemingly inconsequential items like socks, belts, or the right brand of shoes reflects a deep yearning for order in a world that often feels chaotic.
This obsession with simplicity is highlighted in how the author chooses to dress, the way he navigates his everyday decisions, and even his desire to avoid mixing brands. His attempts to simplify his life extend to his approach to changes—he likes predictability and finds comfort in routines, like wearing the same outfit every day, which mirrors his admiration for figures like Steve Jobs, who had a very minimalistic approach to his wardrobe.
However, this drive for simplicity contrasts sharply with his tendency to get lost in seemingly trivial decisions, creating a comedic tension that reflects a broader human experience. Bargatze’s humorous struggles with these choices underscore the theme of seeking stability and order while grappling with life’s inherent unpredictability.
His reflections on how even the smallest decisions can overwhelm him speak to the larger theme of how people often crave simplicity to cope with the complexity of the world around them.
The Humor in Failure
Throughout the book, Bargatze reflects on how failure, embarrassment, and imperfection play a crucial role in shaping his identity and his comedic voice. His struggles with school, his obsession with sports, and even his failed attempts at fitting into the urban life of Chicago are all portrayed through a lens of humor, allowing him to laugh at his own misfortunes.
One particularly striking example is his recounting of his experiences with church basketball leagues, where the competition was fierce but ultimately meaningless. Despite his repeated failures, his undying belief in his ability to succeed showcases his resilience and his ability to find humor in his setbacks.
Similarly, his portrayal of his early professional life, where he dealt with awkward situations and underwhelming experiences, paints a picture of how failure, rather than being something to avoid, becomes a source of comic relief and growth. Through these stories, Bargatze shows that failure is not just a part of life, but often the most rewarding and humorous part, as it allows for personal reflection and eventual success.
His ability to find humor in his mistakes is an essential element of his comedic style and the underlying message of the book: that life, with all its failures and imperfections, is something to laugh at and embrace.