The Natural by Bernard Malamud
OK, so now that you know to look for things to analyze, synthesize and evaluate, what do you think of the book? Remember, we are not discussing plot here. Don't just summarize plot (and don't repeat stuff anyone can read on sparknotes!).
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Black = Death, Water = Life, Winter = Death, Spring = Life coming back, Summer = Climax of Life, Birds = are BAD.
That's all I got for now.
The last thing i have read about is Iris "lemon", this is another color reference and i would like to know if anybody has any idea if yellow is a good or a bad thing?
Maybe you aren't looking at the book in the right way. Or myabe you are not familiar with the King Arthur Tales. I have found a couple references without assistance, but some references had to be pointed to me though. For example, Roy's bat was called a lance early in the book. There was also Roy's "duel" with the Whammer. Try to keep a keen eye on themes and anything vaugely related to medieval times.
Kayla: I loved your comments about yellow. Even if you don't have a complete explanation for all the yellow things, at least you are noticing that Malamud sprinkles yellow throughout. Sometimes you have to finish the book and look back to be able to understand something. (and sometimes you never understand, which is OK, too). Alex: I loved your observations about "needing" a knight. (Sorry, Paige, but I'm with Alex and Kayla on this one.) I'll be interested to see what you think about Roy overeating and ending up in the maternity ward of the hospital. And forget King Arthur. Just read. But don't forget those double entry journals. . .you will need them.
Also, I noticed, that every time Roy stumbles upon the letter from Iris with his fingers somewhere, Memo is always right there to stop him from reading it. It's not until Memo isn't there or asleep, that Roy takes the time to read it. Yes, he waited until he couldn't sleep to read it, but I noticed Memo wasn't around to stop him either. Not sure what that means, could mean that Roy is easily distracted by what is in front of him instead of what is really important to him. I'm also really confused on why Roy is so upset about Iris referring to herself as a grandmother, why does that upset him so much?
Also, I noticed that for Memo, he's willing to get money and lose the game, just to please her. But when Iris shows back up at the game, he can't help but win the game because it seems like everything is back in place and him winning is the right thing to do.
Another thing I noticed was Roy's obsession with Memo. It's crazy how he is all over her, but she always turns him down. Doesn't he know that girl is poison? His lust for her is keeping him from being his best. As heroic as he seems, Roy is definitely far from being Superman.
I disagree with you about Roy being far from Superman. Like most if not all hero's a love interest is often a distraction. And not only hero's but men in general , for whatever reason seem to like what we cant have. Also I didn't notice that metaphor before made me giggle lol.
To everyone else: Why does Roy decide to accept Judge Banner's money and throw the game? (Why does Memo want him to? Why does Pop dislike Memo even though she is his blood relative? Why does Max Mercy hound Roy?)