The symbolism in John Updike’s poem, “Ex-Basketball Player” is that of a fallen hero-of a man who seemingly had it all, but whose life has since fallen apart. The poem chronicles the life of a former basketball player, Flick Webb, and compares his failed dreams of fame and glory to the faded glory of his current situation.
The poem begins with the imagery of an empty and broken basketball hoop, recalling Flick’s glory days and hinting at his current status as an “ex-basketball player. ” The poem continues with references to other symbols, such as the town pump, which parallels Flick’s rise and fall as it was once so full of activity and excitement but is now left unused.
The poem also contains a strong sense of foreboding and loss, not only of anticipated success but of time. The vivid imagery of Flick’s past, such as his “jumpshot in the local gym” and his “promise of growing up to be a star” contrasts sharply with his present status as an unemployed alcoholic with no prospects, who cannot even “face the garage he rented.
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The poem can be interpreted as a lament for Flick’s former glory, as a cautionary tale (for both athletes and non-athletes) about the risks of relying on a single opportunity or pursuit, and as a reflection of mortality and the passing of time.
Ultimately, the poem is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating the present moment.
What does his hands were like wild birds mean?
The phrase “his hands were like wild birds” is an expression used to describe someone whose hands are moving with a type of energy and freedom that suggests a resemblance to wild birds in flight. This phrase is often used to describe a person that is very agile and adept in their movements, usually in the context of an athletic or artistic ability.
For example, a basketball player who is incredibly fast and agile could be referred to as having hands like wild birds. This phrase can also be used to describe someone engaging in any kind of physical activity that the speaker finds particularly skillful or impressive.
What is Updike’s purpose in using personification in the second stanza?
John Updike’s purpose in using personification in the second stanza of his poem, “Dog’s Death”, is to evoke emotion and a stronger connection between the reader and the dog in his story. By using personification to give the dog human emotions and experiences, such as pain, sorrow, and resignation, Updike is able to draw the reader into the story and encourage them to sympathize and feel empathy for the dog.
He creates an image in the reader’s mind of the dog being just a like a person, which is especially effective as the reader knows that, unlike a person, the dog does not have the power to ultimately fight off its fate.
By making the dog more human-like and relatable to the reader, Updike is able to make the sadness more real and allow the reader to feel their own sorrow over the death of this beloved animal.
What is the role of a sixth man in a team basketball?
The role of a sixth man in a team basketball is to provide support off the bench by coming off the bench and providing energy and enthusiasm to boost the team’s performance. They act as an extra rotational player and have an invaluable presence on the court.
The sixth man often has an impact on the morale and energy of the team, inspiring the starters to perform better by injecting the squad with a passionate and motivated presence. In addition to this, the sixth man can often play a variety of positions to add extra depth and flexibility to the team.
They can also provide timely assists to a tired teammate in need of a break or help turn the tide of a game by regaining momentum. By being an integral asset to the team, the sixth man can give the team an advantage over their opponents and help the team succeed on the court.
Do ex NBA players get free tickets?
Generally speaking, former NBA players do not get free tickets to the NBA games. However, some players may get complimentary tickets from the team they used to play for or from the teams they are currently affiliated with in a coaching or other role.
For example, former players who are affiliated with a team may receive discounted or free tickets to games that their team is playing. Additionally, many NBA teams offer discounts or free tickets to retired players through their team alumni programs.
In order to take advantage of these offers, former players must be active members of their team’s alumni association. Finally, some retired players may be able to get free tickets to NBA games through the NBA Players Association.
As a former NBA player, you would need to contact the NBA Players Association to find out more information about their ticket policy.
What is a throwback player?
A throwback player is a term used to describe a professional athlete who embodies a style from the past, typically from the good ol’ days. These are players who possess a certain set of skills that look as though they have been lifted out of a time machine.
They have exceptional craftsmanship, intelligence and athleticism that has been lost in modern sports. Throwback players grant us a temporary reprieve from the often bland and robotic style of play found in the present day.
They remind us of why we love sports in the first place, and empathize with their strengths and struggles on the field. Throwback players have a quiet confidence, and usually don’t do too much talking.
They take pride in their performance and show a great respect for the game.
What are the types of rhymes used in the poem?
The types of rhymes used in a poem vary depending on the type of poem being written and the writer’s preference. Some of the most common types of rhymes are:
End Rhymes: End rhymes occur when the last syllable or word of two or more lines rhyme. For example, in the line ‘The rose is sweet, the bloom is fair’, the last words of both lines rhyme.
Internal Rhymes: Internal rhymes occur when words in the middle of two or more lines rhyme. For example, in the line ‘The moth was drawn to a shining light’, the words ‘moth’ and ‘light’ rhyme.
Rich Rhymes: Rich rhymes occur when multiple words in two or more lines rhyme, either with each other or with the end words of lines. For example, in the line ‘The birds leapt between the boughs and the trees’, the words ‘boughs’, ‘trees’, and ‘leapt’ all rhyme.
Slant Rhymes: Slant rhymes are rhymes which use words that sound similar, but are spelled differently. For example, in the line ‘The seed grew fast in the heat of the day’, the words ‘seed’ and ‘day’ are a slant rhyme.
Eye Rhymes: Eye rhymes are rhymes which pretty much just look like they rhyme but when spoken don’t quite rhyme. This type of rhyme is often used in older literature and poetry. For example, in the line ‘Their speech was weak and their thoughts were unkind’, the words ‘kind’ and ‘find’ look similar, but when spoken, don’t quite rhyme.
Rhyme Schemes: Rhyme schemes are patterns of rhyme used in poems. They are represented using letters of the alphabet, with each letter representing a different rhyming sound. For example, AA BB CC would indicate a poem in which the first two lines rhyme, the second two lines rhyme and the third two lines rhyme.
All these types of rhymes play an important role in poetry, adding depth and beauty to the work. Different writers employ different types of rhyme to create different effects, so the types of rhyme used in a poem will depend on the type of poem and the writer’s personal preference.
Which sound does the poet enjoy in basketball?
The poet enjoys the rich and vibrant sounds of basketball: the rhythmic squeaking of shoes as they slide over the court; the soft swish of a ball as it swooshes through the net; the sharp crack of the ball as it hits the backboard; the excited cheers of the crowd; the whole atmosphere altogether.
Basketball is a game of noise, and the poet truly revels in the depth and complexity of the various sounds that make up an individual game.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem answer?
The rhyme scheme of the poem answer is AABBAB. This pattern of rhyming consists of two similar lines (A) followed by two more similar lines (B). In the poem answer, lines one and two rhyme, lines three and four rhyme, and lines five and six rhyme.
In other words, the pattern of rhyme looks like this: AABBAB.
What does he never learned a trade mean?
This phrase is generally used to describe someone who has never had a professional job or learned a special skill within a particular industry. It is usually used to refer to people who have never attended a technical or trade school, or any type of vocational training, and have no specific education or job experience beyond basic employment.
It can also refer to someone who has reached adulthood without ever being exposed to any type of trade such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. These people typically find it difficult to find employment and may require additional training or guidance in order to succeed.
What does a basketball symbolize?
A basketball symbolizes a lot of things, depending on the context. Generally, it symbolizes teamwork, communication, hard work, and resilience. Basketball is a team sport that requires trust, communication, and collaboration between players to achieve success on the court.
It also symbolizes hard work, as basketball is often an intense, fast-paced sport that requires skill and physical prowess to excel. Additionally, it symbolizes resilience, as it is easy to get discouraged and give up, but the game encourages players to persevere and try again after setbacks.
Ultimately, a basketball can symbolize a lot of things, but teamwork, communication, hard work, and resilience are the main themes that are associated with the game.
What does basketball symbolize in Diary of a Part time Indian?
In Sherman Alexie’s novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, basketball symbolizes a means of hope and escape for protagonist Junior. As a member of the Spokane Indian tribe, Junior is seen as an outsider in his former all-native school and in the new, predominantly white school he transfers to.
Through basketball, he is able to connect with his peers in his new school and gain acceptance, despite their initial biases towards him. He ends up forming friendships with the boys on the basketball team, and he even discovers his hidden talent for art and for basketball.
Basketball helps Junior to escape the conflict and prejudice in his everyday life and to focus on something positive and hopeful. The game grants him a sense of inclusion, achievement, and pride, and it serves as a positive outlet from the social pressures he experiences in both his native and white communities.
Basketball ultimately provides Junior and the reader with a sense of hope that comes from connecting with others and finding moments of peace and joy in an otherwise tumultuous life.
What do the necco wafers nibs and juju beads symbolize or represent?
Necco Wafers and Juju Beads both represent simple joys in life and nostalgia. Necco Wafers were first produced in 1847, making them one of the oldest candies still produced in the United States today.
Necco Wafers come in a variety of flavors, including clove, wintergreen, cinnamon, licorice, lemon, and orange. The distinctive tastes, combined with the hard texture, make them a beloved classic candy snack.
For many, eating Necco Wafers takes them back to a fond time in their childhood.
Juju Beads, which are also known as Traumatism Beads, were introduced in the 1930s to the US by emigrants coming from Germany and Europe. They are often seen as wise, protective amulets and are said to bring good luck.
Juju Beads usually consist of three strands of colorful glass beads and are considered to be personal talismans. The art of Juju Bead weaving is a way to record dreams, share stories or personal experiences.
Each bead is a representation of a special moment and the bead patterns each create a unique story. Like Neaco Wafers, Juju Beads serve as a reminder of joyous occasions and invoke positive memories.