Hot January day

The first diary entry of the book takes place during a hot January day, which for Greg represents the impending threat of climate change. Greg has repeatedly voiced his concerns about climate change to his parents, who appear unconcerned.

Eye contact

For Greg's mom, making eye contact during conversation represents ideal and proper manners. Greg's mom repeatedly emphasizes self-improvement behavior like making eye contact, or abstaining from electronics, as she parents Greg.

Mannequins

For Greg, the inevitably muscular mannequins that he sees at the mall represent society's pressure-filled expectations for masculinity. Greg, who is skinny, can feel inferior in comparison to the mannequins.

Blanket User's Manual

Greg's mom must create a 25-page Blanket User's Manual to dictate how her three sons must share a coveted weighted blanket, which represents the extent to which Greg and Rodrick attempt to manipulate and skirt around certain rules...