Student Question
Why is winning the fight important for Tom King?
Quick answer:
Winning the fight is crucial for Tom King because it will provide the money needed to feed his family and pay off debts. His family is struggling financially, often going without food, and he hopes the prize money will alleviate their dire situation. Despite his age and declining physical abilities, Tom feels compelled to fight to ensure his family's survival.
Winning the fight is important for Tom King because he is in debt and doesn't have enough money to take care of his family. If he wins, he gets enough money to clear the debt and then some.
Tom King is preparing to fight a younger opponent, Sandel. His family is in dire straits. They're deep in debt and don't have enough money for food. He even asks his wife to make him a steak before the fight but she isn't able to get the money from the store on credit. She and their children weren't even able to eat dinner; Tom ate what was available to fuel him for the fight.
If Tom can beat Sandel, he'll win prize money of 30 quid. He thinks that he can use it to pay off the landlord and the tradesmen. He'll even have a bit of money left over. He'll be able to take care of his family.
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