The Natural: 76-102

Benching a Legend by Roger Kahn

1. Fair Memo: looking specifically at the first two paragraphs of last night's reading, how does Malamud characterize Memo? What does his language tell us about her role in the novel? Her role in the hero's cycle? Her role in the the Parcival legend?

2. "He was conscious that he was filling Bump's shoes, not only because he batted in the clean-up slot and fielded in the sun field ... but also because the crowds made no attempt to separate his identity from Bump's," (79). In what way is Malamud commenting on a hero's place in society?

3. What does Roy's endless pursuit of Memo reveal about his character?

4. Can the judge see Roy clearly or is his insight conjecture? In what way do the Bible scriptures influence the reader's understanding of the Judge?

5. How do Memo, Gus, and Max help develop the character of Roy? In other words, if context helps shape our identity, what do these three characters bring out in Roy?