American Life and the Horatio Alger Myth
Malamud's debut novel is a baseball tale that aims to depict various facets of American life, including a take on the Horatio Alger myth. It incorporates several famous episodes from baseball history, such as the Black Sox scandal of 1919, the legendary feats of Babe Ruth (portrayed here as Walter "Whammer" Wambold), and the 1949 shooting of Eddie Waitkus by a deranged fan in a hotel, among other events and the vibrant antics of players and their often quirky supporters. By weaving his narrative with ancient myths, like the quest for the Holy Grail, Malamud infuses The Natural with a profound and enriched meaning, elevating the novel beyond a mere depiction of contemporary American life. He universalizes the theme, highlighting humanity's enduring quest for a better life and the obstacles they must face to achieve it. Sadly, as illustrated by Roy Hobbs, these obstacles are not always overcome, even when they are finally understood. Unfortunately, by that point, it is often too late.
Mercenary Tendencies and Corruption
At the heart of Malamud's portrayal of American life in this novel are the mercenary traits that, as Eugene O'Neill noted long ago, have tarnished the initial idea of America as a new promised land, filled with joy and fulfillment. This greedy mindset is first symbolized by the silver bullets Harriet Bird uses to destroy her victims, and later by Memo Paris's association with Gus Sands, the cigar-smoking bookie. The desire for personal gain, whether to win and keep a beautiful woman or for other motives (like Judge Banner's thirst for power), acts as a potent corruptor of American masculinity. This theme is evident in the opening section, "Pre-Game," and continues into "Batter Up!" Although Roy Hobbs was an innocent nineteen-year-old when Harriet Bird ensnared and shot him, he cannot claim such innocence in his pursuit of Memo Paris. When he realizes that to win her hand in marriage he needs substantial wealth, he agrees to sabotage the crucial playoff game for his team, the New York Knights. However, he soon discovers that she is not worth sacrificing his integrity and honor.
Competitiveness in American Life
Malamud highlights the spirit of competition in American life through his storytelling. When Roy first joins the Knights, Bump Bailey is the team's star player—the individual Roy needs to surpass to become the leader and win over Memo, Bump's girlfriend. This rivalry results in tragedy for Bump, who meets his end by crashing into a wall, reminiscent of Brooklyn Dodger Pete Rieser's real-life accident. Earlier in "Pre-Game," Roy demonstrates his talent by striking out the renowned Whammer Wambold in an impromptu showdown during an unexpected train stop on their way to Chicago. This episode, like others, symbolizes the ritualistic succession of one hero by another, a theme found in certain vegetation myths as detailed by anthropologists such as Jessie L. Weston and Sir James Frazer.
Countervailing Forces to Greed and Competitiveness
In the novel, there are forces that counteract greed and competitiveness. Pop Fisher, who is both part owner and the long-time manager of the Knights, consistently demonstrates his loyalty to the game and its players, even when they face challenges and misfortune. Iris Lemon, the woman who stands up in the crowd and helps Roy escape his prolonged slump, embodies purity and selflessness. Despite being a very private individual, she sacrifices her privacy for this act and later gives herself to Roy, providing a stark contrast to the manipulative teasing and selfishness of Memo Paris. Roy's childishness, as it is aptly described, blinds him to Iris's true nature. In the end, the foul ball that bounces off Roy's intended target and injures her symbolizes how misguided and wrongful Roy's actions have...
(This entire section contains 132 words.)
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Choices and Consequences
The novel's emphasis on morality weaves in themes of choices, consequences, and the associated issue of responsibility. Malamud places Roy in situations where he must make moral decisions, highlighting his duties as a father, a team member, and a human being. Roy faces the dilemma of whether to build a lasting relationship with Iris and their child, setting aside his concerns about her being a grandmother. He also has to decide if he will pursue winning the pennant for personal glory or for the benefit of his teammates and Pop Fisher. Additionally, Roy must determine whether to accept a bribe, risking his integrity and tarnishing the sport he cherishes, to fulfill his material desires and secure his financial future.
Failure
Roy's inability to make ethical choices in the novel leads to his downfall. This shortcoming highlights his obsession with the American dream of success, which blinds him to the needs of those around him. His single-minded pursuit of being "the best there ever was in the game" stops him from becoming a team player and prioritizing the Knights' success over his personal achievements. This self-centeredness results in isolation and alienation. Money also plays a significant role in this dream. Roy's increasing materialism aligns him with the corrupt and avaricious Memo, pushing him to accept a bribe from the Judge, which ultimately results in his disgrace.
Growth and Development
Throughout the novel, Roy exhibits some moral development. His ambition to secure the pennant for Pop begins to align with his own, more self-centered drive to be the best. By the novel's conclusion, Roy achieves a level of self-transcendence when he chooses to abandon his plans to rig the game and resolves to care for Iris and their child. Unfortunately, this change occurs too late to redeem him.
Good and Evil
In the novel, Roy is torn between the opposing forces of good and evil, which battle for control of his soul. Pop Fisher and Iris Lemon embody the forces of good. Pop strives to transform Roy into a team player, emphasizing the importance of community over individual achievement. Iris imparts the lesson that through suffering, we gain vital insights into life, such as love and self-respect.
Sadly, the characters symbolizing evil outnumber those representing good. Memo, the Judge, Gus Sands, and Max Mercy all attempt to pull Roy into a world of corruption. Tempted by the allure of power and success they promise, Roy only realizes the perilous consequences of his choices when it is too late.