The Natural
The role of symbolism in Bernard Malamud¡¦s is important in helping the reader understand the theme and meaning of the novel as well as the time period in which it took place. Malamud¡¦s use of symbolism defines the character of Roy Hobbs and shows how the events occurring around him affected his decisions and, eventually, his career.
Symbolism in takes the form of characters, such as women who strongly influenced Roy; historical events, such as the infamous 1919 World Series scandal; and even Greek and Roman mythology. All forms of symbolism used by Malamud are woven into the life and career of Roy Hobbs.
As a first example, women have a tremendous influence on Roy¡¦s actions and ...
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where Roy and the big leaguer clash in a contest of talent, a David-and-Goliath-type confrontation (Solotaroff 9). Roy strikes out the batter with three blistering pitches, each of which make Harriet pay more and more attention to him. As they arrive in Chicago, Harriet stays at the hotel at which Roy has booked a room. She gives him a call and provocatively invites him to her room. Succumbing to her invitation, and making his way to her room, he enters and sees her wearing nothing but a silk nightgown. After a short conversation, she pulls out a pistol and shoots him in the stomach. His desperate attitude leads him to be seduced by her, ending his bid to make the Chicago Cubs.
The character of Harriet Bird serves as an ancestor-figure to Iris Lemon and Memo Paris (Helterman 25). In a way, Iris and Memo are symbolic descendants of Harriet because they, too, have so much influence on Roy. Memo, however, closely resembles Harriet in personality. Both of the women are ...
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While Roy and Iris make love on the beach, she mutters to him, ¡§I forgot to tell you I am a grandmother¡¨ (Malamud 148). Although he tends not to show that the comment bothered him at the time, it sticks in the back of his head and is one of the reasons he does not end up with Iris. Roy does not want to be a father figure to Iris¡¦ baby like his manager, Pop Fisher, was to him. Pop¡¦s misfortunes during his long life made Roy think about what might happen to him if he would be together with Iris when her bay was born. Fearing that his life would be ruined if he had to take care of a child, Roy makes his choice and decides not to continue having relations with Iris.
A second ...
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The Natural. (2008, May 24). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Natural/84129
"The Natural." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 24 May. 2008. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Natural/84129>
"The Natural." Essayworld.com. May 24, 2008. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Natural/84129.
"The Natural." Essayworld.com. May 24, 2008. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Natural/84129.
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