The Natural: Batter Up! 37-56

Oakland's very own "dusty field, the listless game and half-empty stands" (37). So sad.

Batter up!

Discussion from prior reading
1. The pitches: how do the three pitches compare? where do we see the language of myth in each pitch?
2. Let's look at the final paragraph in which Harriet shoots Roy. What are we to think of Harriet? Was this expected or unexpected? Where else can we find similar language? In what way does Harriet represent the real? the myth?

Small Groups **Some literary critics have said that Malamud put a realistic man in a mythological setting. Is that fair? Has Malamud set Roy up for failure? So far, has Roy changed in the 15 years since the shooting? Be specific in your responses, please.

Last night's reading
4. The Fisher King, the wasteland
5. In what ways is Bump a failed hero?
6. What kind of person is Roy? How has he changed in 15 years and how has he stayed the same?

7. In what ways are Bump, the Whammer and Roy all variations of the same hero mold? What is Malamud telling us about heroes in society? In what way is this hero mold a commentary on gender and masculinity in 1950s America? Does this commentary still hold true today?

8. Roy waits for Memo & the chance to play. What do these to things have in common? What is Roy seeking from both?