"Arm Wrestling with My Father"
"Arm Wrestling with My Father"
Read the essay. Note the multiple descriptive pieces and how the author shows the nature of his relationship with his father through descriptive terms. Consider why this is a solid example of nonfiction writing. Comment on the portion that you find most effective. Return to the blog later and comment on a classmate's post. All responses should be added before class starts on Friday, December 11.
“But dad would always win; I always had to lose.” - Maybe his dad is trying to toughen him up if he “had to lose” by showing that he will lose if he doesn’t give more effort.
ReplyDelete“[H]e would laugh at me… through his perfect white teeth… I never thought it was funny at all.” - Manning probably just misunderstands their father’s actions by this point. I think the first part is supposed to be younger Manning’s reaction because they fixated on the father’s “perfect white teeth” rather than what they could do to get stronger.
“Ours had always been a physical relationship.” + “Dad knew almost nothing about lacrosse and his movements were all wrong and sad to watch.” + “[T]he love I could only assume was there.” - Since it’s a physical relationship and Manning’s father is trying his best yet Manning is still upset, they’re still caught up in the fact that they lost arm wrestling and interpreted that their father laughed at them. The dad “knew almost nothing about lacrosse” yet still tried to help Manning who felt their father maybe did not love them because of their abnormal purely physical relationship.
“I could only giggle, happy to have such a strong father” + “I am becoming less my father and more myself… I am no longer a challenger.” - Manning previously liked having a “strong father,” but the father got weaker and the adolescent version of Manning stopped caring about proving themself anyways. The father is still trying to connect with Manning through the only way he knows, but Manning is old and might feel connected-enough with their father. It’s not super clear.
“His arms have always protected me and the family.” + “And his were the arms now that I had pushed to the carpet, first the right arm, then the left.” + “I do not know if I will ever physically carry my father as he carried me, though I fear that someday I may have that responsibility.” - It wasn’t very clear at the beginning, but Manning was trying to convey that the young version of them felt bad in the first paragraph. I assumed they meant the current Manning was looking back at those memories and still felt bad. For example, I thought when they said, “I never thought it was funny at all,” that Manning meant they still do not think getting overpowered in arm wrestling is funny. Anyways, everyone is now older than before and it’s just that Manning probably will have to help their old dad live. The relationship is still mostly physical as that’s the most convenient way for the father to communicate, it seems. The difference is that Manning now may have to help out their father physically and mentally since age could bring memory issues or something. Maybe he’ll be relied on by his father to remember things. “Parent cares for kid” is now “kid cares for parent,” that’s all.
“Maybe… he’ll advise me on how to improve my stroke.” + “Maybe he started doing pushups to rebuild his strength and challenge me to another match.” - But I guess Manning doesn’t want to grow up or see the old father aging more. Maybe Manning is just not used to potentially being relied on and just doesn’t want to have to be relied on. Either way, Manning ended up strengthening their relationship by beating the father in arm wrestling, it seems.
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CONTINUED IN COMMENT
continued here, I mean:
DeleteThis is a solid piece of nonfiction writing because it seems to be the whole story with nothing left out. Sometimes, nonfiction short stories leave out some information or intentionally write the story in a harder-to-interpret way (maybe they do it to stand out?) and ruin it. This one also did not linger on an event for too long. Some nonfiction short stories practically waste ink with elaborate writing like going crazy with figurative language, and that sometimes makes the message harder for them to convey or it just breaks up the flow. I know I didn’t want to stop reading once I started, so the not-lingering on topics combined with new scenes happening might have been the cause. Of course, every nonfiction can’t be non-stop new scenes like this one; however, it seemed to work well in this writing.
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I assume “most effective” means “most effective at conveying information.”
The part I found most effective was paragraph 10, the fish one. This was the most effective because it was the main paragraph that really cleared up their relationship and let me answer the prompt. It might be a given for everyone, but I comprehended what Manning was trying to say significantly faster here than, for example, the first or second paragraph.
I definitely feel like our thoughts on the entire article are similar. I will agree that it is a very solid piece of writing, but I primarily feel that is because of the fact that Manning was a student who was writing a piece with real substance behind it, and not some pee wee bad stylistic piece. It has soul. You can relate to it. You commented on my definition of effective so I will comment on yours. I definitely feel that conveying information, but in my eyes, emotion is a type of information to transmit. So possibly the most impactful part can be the most informative, at least of Manning's intentions. However, I figure we will get into this when we play rocket league next so I will bounce some thoughts off of you then. Obviously, you have thoughts over the article.
Delete"I might have preferred him to be always the stronger, the one who carries me. But this
ReplyDeletewish is impossible now; our roles have begun to switch." I believe that this entire paragraph, but specifically this line, is the most impactful of the entire work. Growing up, everyone looks up to their parents. This even happens when one of them is someone who simply fails to live up to those expectations. Nonetheless, kids look to their parents as a safety net. However, as we grow older, we begin to see our parents not as titans, but as other people, just as capable of failure as their children. This is the "switching of roles" that Manning references. I know that I personally have seen this as I have taken over most of the responsibilities of my own home that my father typically would take. When I was younger, I was the assistant. Now, I am the one asking for assistance. This part of the work also highlights Manning's fears over taking responsibility, specifically with his father's health. While the doubts of his strength are minimal, the doubts over his ability to deal with tough situations are prevalent. In short, this part of the work is the most effective as it highlights the innate nature of becoming a capable adult and eventually eclipsing your parents.
I guess that sentence could be the "most effective" if "most effective" is supposed to mean "most impactful." In that case, I'd change my response to this sentence you're using. Some kids don't look up to their parents, but I guess you're right in saying that every kid looked up to their parents as a safety net at least once. Not every kid ends up becomes a better adult than their parents: think of those people that live in their parents' basement playing video games and taking on zero responsibilities as they approach being 40 years old. Yeah, I guess the average person isn't that, but what happened with Manning isn't the most average either. I'm saying that because that may cause that sentence to have less meaning to some people and more to others.
DeleteWell there's a lot of nice "descriptive pieces" used by the author. The story starts out with the narrator as a child, then teen, then almost an adult. By using a chronological structure, the narrator is able to tie in descriptive elements that flow between each time period. For example: the dad's grin, "Say when," and laying on the floor. The relationship between the narrator and his father is shown through a lot of description...
ReplyDelete"a high laugh, through his perfect white teeth" --> the narrator views his father as a great role model and someone who has very few flaws (from the perspective of a child)
"I never thought it was funny at all." --> as a kid, the narrator never looked at the positive side of losing to his father. He never saw his father's intention of arm wrestling and instead only viewed it from his child-like POV (just to win).
That was just a couple examples but there's others like the hugging, hand shakes, lacrosse games, etc. They all developed the author as who he is today even though he didn't see it before.
I appreciated the section with catching fish. I found this to be the most effective section to tell the relationship between the two as they got older.
"when you finally think you’ve got him, you want to let him go, cut the line, keep the legend alive"
--I thought it was a great analogy to show how the author was feeling at this point. I'm sure many of us have experienced situations similar to this. The narrator always just wanted to win against his dad and now that he has the opportunity, he realized how important it was that he always lost.
This is a "solid piece of nonfiction writing" because it's much more personal and possibly allows us to think of situations similar to it in our own lives. There's a lot of good description. Usually nonfiction writing has to be realistic (a lot of them are stupid and outlandish) and this one does really well at that. We can believe this actually happened because we can see it happening in our own lives possibly.
I agree with the quotes you used. I would've used them too but I decided to look for different ones. I also agree with how the fishing part was a really good and creative analogy, but I personally believe the story would have been just as effective without it. The fishing served mostly as an analogy while the arm wrestling served as a metaphor for his changing relationship with his father which is why I believe the final arm wrestling match as well as him winning that match to be more effective. His winning the match serves to show that Manning is willing to accept change.
Delete"His words were physical." Their relationship was mostly expressed through physicality such as strong hugs or arm wrestling. His father would always show up to his lacrosse games and try to help him get better to "gain confidence in [his] ability." This shows that his father cares about him and that he wants him to know how good of a player he is. It is also most likely easier for him to communicate through physicality because "In high school he had played halfback and had been voted “best-built body” of the senior class." It makes sense for him to communicate this way because of his background.
ReplyDeleteThis is a solid piece of nonfiction writing because it tells a story through a certain action. That being the arm wrestling. The arm wrestling represents Manning growing up. During the final match, Manning "wanted to win but.. did not want to see [his father] lose." He didn't want things to change which could show a fear of growing up which most people have. The evolution of the arm wrestling as well as the hugs show that the "tough love" his father had shown him was still love.
I believe the most effective portion of the story was Manning thinking about his father's hug while on the plane. "I had a sudden wish to go back to Dad and embrace his arms with all the love I felt for him." The story began with Manning living with normalcy which is represented by losing the matches -> winning the match which represents Manning's realization that his life has changed -> hugging his dad before heading on the plane which represents his contentedness with his situation and change.
I like your description of the story as "describing through action". It makes sense and makes the piece more interactive for the reader. I especially agree with the idea of change in the end in which he analyzes the change that has occured, though I don't know if I would describe it as fully "content".
DeleteI too was pleased with the ending. I didn't talk about it in my analysis, but I thought that the hug at the end was almost a sort of closure for their years of the physical relationship. Your analysis of the telling of the story through action is thoughtful. I didn't think of that take on it before, (I just focused on description) but like Emily said, it makes sense and it's interactive.
Delete“But Dad would always win; I always had to lose.” I feel like this is a very significant quote right at the start of the essay. It reminds me of something like “tough love”; this father may have just been trying to strengthen him by making him work to win. Some may find it more harsh, assuming a father should be more nurturing by letting his child have a “victory”.
ReplyDelete”Ours had always been a physical relationship, I suppose, one determined by athleticism and
strength.” It is a bit saddening to hear this because it seems as though his relationship with his father was more based on competition and winning rather than just purely to toughen him up.
“But at those times I could just feel how hard he was trying to communicate, to help me, to show the love he had for me, the love I could only assume was there.” Despite his father trying to communicate with him, its still an incredibly odd father-son relationship. No matter the dynamic of a parent-child relationship, no child should have to wonder whether or not their parent truly loves them.
“ I am becoming less my father and more myself. And as a result, there is less of a need to be set apart from him and his command. I am no longer a rebel in the household, wanting to stand up against the master with clenched fists and tensing jaws, trying to impress him with my education or my views on religion. I am no longer a challenger, quick to correct his verbal mistakes, determined to beat him whenever possible in physical competition.” The change in dynamic, while sad for the lack of relationship with his father, I see as an optimistic outlook for Manning himself. He no longer feels the need to win. Whether it is because he knows he is both physically and mentally stronger now or it is just his loss of needing some type of validation from his father is unclear, but either way seems like a good move for his own feelings.
“Even so, he insisted that he would lose the match, that he was certain I’d win. I had to ignore this, however, because it was something he always said, whether or not he believed it himself.” I find this an odd thing to say to him, especially when he was younger. When he was younger, he was undoubtedly weakerthan his father, and his father knew this. It seems like this would only further break his confidence down after his father did not let him win.
“I might have preferred him to be always the stronger, the one who carries me. But this wish is impossible now; our roles have begun to switch. I do not know if I will ever physically carry my father as he has carried me, though I fear that someday I may have that responsibility.” I feel that this was the most important quote of the essay. It’s sad to think that he doesn't even want to have this “physical” responsibility that his father once maintained.
“So I offered a handshake; but he offered a hug. I accepted it, bracing myself for the impact. Once our arms were wrapped around each other, however, I sensed a different message. His embrace was softer, longer than before...as the plane lifted my throat was hurting with sadness. I realized then that Dad must have learned something as well, and what he had said to me in that last hug was that he loved me.” The ending of the essay was bittersweet. It is both warming yet somewhat saddening how Manning eventually surpassed his father in his abilities.
This essay is a solid piece of nonfiction writing because it looks at an emotional story between a father and a son. One that many children with less nurturing parents can relate to. It is a powerful piece of writing because it looks at real character growth (of the narrator himself) as well as something most humans struggle with: change. Manning struggles with the relationship he has with his father, but when it finally reaches a dynamic where he is in a more favorable position he only fears the outcome.
Very insightful dialogue. I agree with an innumerable quantity of your points. However, I disagree with your statement regarding the relationship and it's symbiotic nature with athleticism. To me, it appears this physical dyad was necessary and proves to be a bountiful blessing. While I may see why you view this as particularly despairing, I fashion it to be a rather virtuous gift, as the narrator can observe his father's unbounding love for him through it. The father loves him and clearly manifests it in the form of physical engagements. It was all not just to toughen him up, but rather it was his father portraying his love to his son with lack of real intention. Your points are all valid and I don't disagree with any of them as I merely commented this to acquire the grade. The quotes you selected are rather exemplary. I agree with how you perceived the ending section of the piece with the farewell.
DeleteI share your sentiments from the beginning of the essay especially. I also found his description of their relationship disheartening. Tough love isn't horrible, but his description of always feeling like he has to beat his father seemed unhealthy to me. So I was worried that their relationship wasn't a good one. But I was glad to realize he was just young and didn't fully understand his father's actions yet.
DeleteThis essay is a solid piece of nonfiction writing because not only does it describe the relationship using description, but it is also relatable to a lot of fathers and sons. I thought the story had a deeper meaning because the author went through the boy’s entire childhood instead of focusing on just one part of it; therefore we were able to see their relationship as it progressed through the years. One of the parts that stood out to me the most was when the son said his father’s “words were physical.” Words are really the only other way to express love for another person or thing without doing a physical action. The son describing the father’s words as physical really emphasizes their physical contact relationship. When the father had gone through and underlined all the important words about
ReplyDeletethe dangers of not wearing a bicycle helmet” (cycling being a physical activity) in the newspaper, the readers really get to see exactly what the sin is talking about. Their communication was truly physical.
“I might have preferred him to be always the stronger, the one who carries me.” Even though he hated his father beating him all those years, this shows that as he has grown up, he realizes that winning makes him feel worse than losing. He finally got what he wanted, but then it wasn’t what he wanted. I think that a lot of people feel this way when the parental and kid roles switch which goes back to how this essay is relatable to many people.
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DeleteI agree with what you said. Their relationship was strictly a physical one, and I originally thought it was a kind of odd, cold relationship. As the essay progressed, it was then obvious to me that the father showed his care through physical interactions. At first, it just seems like he only cares that his son is good at sports; the part with the bicycle helmet did prove that he looks out for his son and loves him.
Delete"And I would tense up, concentrating and straining and trying to push his wrist down to the carpet with all my weight and strength. But Dad would always win; I always had to lose."
ReplyDelete"And so he’d grin with his eyes fixed on me, not seeming to notice his own arm, which would begin to rise slowly from its starting position. My greatest efforts could not slow it down. As soon as my hopes had disappeared I’d start to cheat and use both hands."
Initially the nature of their relationship made me feel kind of bad. It seems so negative in the beginning and even when he thinks back on how he saw things when he was younger because all he does is talk about feeling like he has to compete or that he is being oppressed sort of.
"But at those times I could just feel how hard he was trying to communicate, to help me, to show the love he had for me, the love I could only assume was there." But then he gets into a better vibe and illuminates on how he thinks this is just how they express their love. And I like that much better. Because it's true. Sometimes you don't need/have words.
"And I don’t feel pressured to compete with him the way I thought necessary for years. Now my father is not really so strong as he used to be and I am getting stronger. This change in strength comes at a time when I am growing faster mentally than at any time before. I am becoming less my father and more myself." This description of growth is wonderful. It really helps illuminate his childish notions and show how as he got older he realized the importance of those qualities in his father.
"It was like the thrill I had once experienced as a young boy at my grandfather’s lake
house in Louisiana when I hooked my first big fish... But when my cousin caught sight of the fish and shouted out, “It’s a keeper,” I realized that I would be happier for the fish if it were let go rather than grilled for dinner." I liked that he added this in. The situation helps people understand how he felt in that moment if they have never experienced something similar. Because, even if you don't fish, you can understand a pride in doing well but also the feeling of dread when you realize your success is at someone else's expense.
"I might have preferred him to be always the stronger, the one who carries me. But this
wish is impossible now; our roles have begun to switch." I found this the most effective because, as someone who is about to enter adulthood, which everyone faces at some point, it is easy to feel the same way. Sometimes it's scary to realize the people you have relied on are getting weaker and moving on when you're just getting started. But, as the author uses pathos, you realize the significance of these life cycles. The ending story about the airport is also builds on that.
I completely agree with your statement that sometimes you do not need words to express your love for someone. Not having that super expressive and spoken relationship with someone where you constantly share your love for them verbally does not mean that you do not care for that person any less. Actions can speak so much louder in multiple circumstances, and if people open their eyes to these things a little more, they would truly understand how much people really care for them.
Delete"It was like the thrill I had once experienced as a young boy at my grandfather's lake house in Louisiana when I hooked my first big fish." Though I enjoyed this entire essay, this paragraph particularly stood out to me. I normally find nonfiction pieces boring, but Manning's use of description made this one entertaining. Specifically, the deep detail about his real life experiences help to create a greater understanding of his emotions regarding his father. The recount of him catching his first big fish, feeling pride about it, and finally realizing the sympathy he holds for living things is extremely important. As he connects these feelings directly to those felt when finally defeating his father in arm wrestling, Manning knows that he wants to "keep [his father's] legend alive". I thought this was interesting, considering how when he was younger, he seemed upset and defeated whenever he was beaten. I understand that, now, he wants his father to win just so he knows that his health is still top notch, and he will continue to assume his role as the primary male in the family.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with that paragraph being very important to the passage! I like the analogy that the author presented by bringing up the fish. I also agree with your final sentence specifically about how he wants him to win just so nothing changes. That is a unique perspective I did not think of and it truly makes sense regarding the authors clear fear of change and death occurring in his family. I also feel like he is getting his sense of individuality with that sympathy that his father never had when he beat him, and I think that is another reason he wanted to just give up and lose. I believe he thinks he is too "lanky and featureless" to be like his father and knows he could not take is place in protecting himself and his mother and that thought horrifies him.
DeleteI also found this part interesting. He was extremely sour when he would accept defet from his father as a child; however, he now feels a sence of remorce and pitty as he claims victory. Though, I suppose its only natural to feel this. Even if their relationship was one with no deep emotion, it was still a relationship built on protection that Manning grew up with. Beating his father would meant shifting the dynamic and thus forcing all parties involved to review the roll they play within it. This shift from the person being protected to the protector would be terrifying, and it is understandable why Manning is experiencing such a shock.
DeleteFrom starting out experiencing "downcast eyes,... [and the narrators] reddened, sweating face" after the arm wrestling to being the undeniable victor, the changes that occur as time passes are shocking. Through descriptive language, the author is able to show the audience his "physical relationship" and how they were showing love through "athleticism and strength" instead of sending "card[s]... written in his hand" or giving hugs. Although their relationship was not very affectionate, the love was still very much there and I believe hat is something most father's and son's can relate to.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, that is in my opinion one of the factors that makes this such an awesome piece of nonfiction writing. It is true and relatable to others! So many grow used to "the ritual of father-son competition," and it is a difficult habit to break as aging occurs; however, this piece examines that harsh factor and shows that families do not have to be trapped to this competition and can learn a different way to prove their love.
Finally, the portion I found most effective was the final four paragraphs regarding the ambiguity of death and finding news ways to love each other. Even in his older age, his " Dad must have learned something as well" and was able to explain to his son "in that last hug" that "he loved" him. It is never too late to change habits and sometimes one will reach the point where they "overpower[] the arm that had protected and provided for [them] all of [their] life". Getting older and having to stray away from what you have known is hard, especially when you have the fear that when you answer the phone, it will be your"mother’s voice calling [you] back to help carry his wood coffin" ; however, we can all conquer that fear, adapt to the situation, and take advantage of the moments we have next .
I totally agree! Especially with what you said regarding the portion about death. I believe that only when Manning beat his father at arm wrestling for the first time did he really become aware of what it meant. His dad was getting older and therefore weaker, but that meant he would eventually die (though most likely not in the near future, it is still a reality). But it also shows that he had to become independent in order to be his own protector and to protect whatever family he may have in the future.
Delete"He would see my downcast eyes, my reddened, sweating face, and sense my intensity. And with squinting eyes he would laugh at me, a high laugh, through his perfect white teeth." With this description, it seems as if Manning is desperate to prove himself to his father throughout his youth. His father's reaction to his failures often make him feel inadequate considering the amount of effort he put forth.
ReplyDelete"Our communication was physical, and that is why we did things like arm wrestle. To get down on the floor and grapple, arm against arm, was like having a conversation." While Manning's father clearly loves his son, Manning longs for a relationship that goes beyond purely physical displays. It appears that Manning's father has difficulty expressing his feelings through words which is why the relationship with his son is almost exclusively physical in nature. Unfortunately, it appears that Manning has such a strong desire to win because he grows up feeling this is the only way he can feel accepted.
" I am no longer a rebel in the household, wanting to stand up against the master
with clenched fists and tensing jaws, trying to impress him with my education or my views on
religion." As Manning grows up, his need to prove himself by winning competitions seems to diminish. He is now able to recognize his own growing strength and that his father is capable of failure as well. This realization seems to change his perception of his need to constantly compete and win, and subsequently changing the physical relationship him and his father have maintained throughout his youth.
"Once our arms were wrapped around each other, however, I sensed a different message. His embrace was softer, longer than before." I think the shift in their relationship is touching because Manning is finally able to acknowledge love his father has for him. Since "love was [such] a rare expression" between them, he spent many years doubting the the legitimacy of his father's love. It seems that over the years both Manning and his father benefitted from emotional and intellectual growth.
First off, I loved reading this -- mostly because I love descriptive pieces and this this is FULL of description. Secondly, this story has SUCH a good portrayal of father-son relationships, and the dynamic described -- though quite specific -- is one that is relatable and can be understood very easily. In a lot of families, fathers tend to be emotionally distant and reserved, but usually have their own little ways of showing affection (such as destroying you in arm wrestling matches for your entire childhood). However, as the story goes on, the author grows and develops -- hating arm wrestling and then looking forward to it again, sort of in the same way one does to tedious family traditions -- and eventually beats his father in a match for the first time ever. This moment was perhaps the most impactful, in my opinion. It was when he realized how much had actually changed overtime and that he was now grown up and his father was no longer as young as he once was; and he was fearful of this change.
ReplyDelete"How could I have learned so quickly how it would feel to have overpowered the arm
that had protected and provided for me all of my life? His arms have always protected me and
the family. Whenever I am near him I am unafraid, knowing his arms are ready to catch me and
keep me safe, the way they caught my mother one time when she fainted halfway across the
room, the way he carried me, full grown, up and down the stairs when I had mononucleosis, the
way he once held my feet as I stood on his shoulders to put up a new basketball net. "
"But at those times I could just feel how hard he
was trying to communicate, to help me, to show the love he had for me, the love I could only
assume was there."
"I might have preferred him to be always the stronger, the one who carries me. But this
wish is impossible now; our roles have begun to switch. I do not know if I will ever physically
carry my father as he has carried me, though I fear that someday I may have that responsibility."
"As the plane turned north, I had a sudden wish to go back
to Dad and embrace his arms with all the love I felt for him. I wanted to hold him for a long time
and to speak with him silently, telling him how happy I was, telling him all my feelings, in that
language we shared."
^^ These are all a bunch of quotes I found to be the most invoking.
I agree that the story seems to provide good insight into how fathers typically behave in families. Though I do not have any personal experiences on the matter, I have observed the family dynamic between my uncle and cousins when I visit them in the summers. My uncle seems to emotionally distant at times as well, so I definitely think the story does a fantastic job at describing the unusual methods utilized by fathers to express their love.
Delete- Michelle Orioha
There really are multiple descriptive pieces scattered throughout this whole story, most of which caught my attention. The portion I found most effective was the very beginning when he starts off with a description of one of the many times that his father beat him at an arm wrestling match. this showcases the relationship that many kids have with their fathers, as the father always tries to toughen up the child and get them ready for the real world: we cannot win at everything. Everyone has a different strategy to show others their love, and this father was just trying his best to do the same. Finding this thing that they could bond over, in this case arm wrestling and more physical things, is the father's way of showing his child that he cares. As he grew, however, the boy changed and morphed into a man and his interest changed. When they have a more recent match and the son "overpowered the arm that had protected and provided" for his family his entire life, the father grew to realize that his son isn't the same and their relationship shifted. It's just the circle of life, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteThe chronological organization of the piece really helps establish the roles that Manning saw between him and his father. I felt a huge part of the meaning in this writing was centered around fear of losing his parents. " His arms have always protected me and the family." Beating his father brought a bittersweet feeling. His father had always had one role in his life, and now he was essentially usurping him from his throne. If he has no physical challenge with his father anymore, how will they communicate?
ReplyDelete"I never thought it was funny at all." In this change of mindset, he shows how he realizes that his father did not mean to make fun of him for being weak, but it was his way of bonding. Once Manning beats his father, what does he have left with him?
"So I offered a handshake; but he offered a hug. I accepted it." I beleive this is the most effective paragraph of the short story. Throughout the reading, Manning describes the "physical relationship" he and his father share; not one with nurturing contanct, but one based in "athleticism." However, in the last three paragraphs, this relationship takes on a new dynamic. As Manning and his parents prepare to part at the terminal, his father offers a heart-felt and intimate hug in place of a stoic handshake. This small hug is a huge shift for their relationship and this is shown by the impact it has on Manning on his flight home. He becomes emotional and wishes to retun home in order to further this new dynamic between he and his father.
ReplyDelete