Symbolism in Bernard Malamuds The Natural Essay -- Bernard Malamud Th

Symbolism in Bernard Malamuds The Natural The role of symbolization in Bernard Malamuds The Natural is important in helping the reader regard the theme and meaning of the novel as well as the term period in which it took place. Malamuds use of symbolization defines the character of Roy Hobbs and shows how the events occurring approximately him affected his decisions and, eventually, his career. Symbolism in The Natural takes the form of characters, such as women who strongly influenced Roy historical events, such as the infamous 1919 mankind serial scandal and even Greek and Roman mythology. All forms of symbolism apply by Malamud are woven into the life and career of Roy Hobbs. As a set-back example, women have a tremendous influence on Roys actions and feelings. One of the more influential symbols in the book, women tend to control what Roy does. The first woman Roy falls for is Harriet Bird whom he meets on a lead on his way to Chicago to try out for the Chicago Cubs. R oy is exceedingly attracted to her, but a major league ballplayer on the correct named Whammer Wambold has already caught her eye. Roy becomes jealous and begins to do things to try to get her attention. At a stop in the route, the passengers get off for a break and go to a local carnival where Roy and the big leaguer clash in a contest of talent, a David-and-Goliath-type confrontation (Solotaroff 9). Roy strikes out the batter with three sizzling pitches, each of which make Harriet pay more and more attention to him. As they arrive in Chicago, Harriet stays at the hotel at which Roy has booked a room. She gives him a call and provocatively invites him to her room. Succumbing to her invitation, and making his way to her room, he enters and se... ...he symbolism in The Natural is deep-seeded and is found by the reader upon reflection on the book. Therefore, reasonableness Malamuds use of symbolism is critical in understanding The Natural, its background, its times, and its meani ng. WORKS CITED Abramson, Edward A. Bernard Malamud Revisited. New YorkTwaynePublishers,1993. Grail, Holy, Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia. 1993-1997 MicrosoftCorporation Helterman, Jeffrey. Understanding Bernard Malamud. ColumbiaUniversity of south-centralCarolina Press,1985. Malamud, Bernard. The Natural. New YorkAvon Books,1952. Solotaroff, Robert. Bernard Malamud A Study of the Short Fiction. BostonTwayne Publishers,1989. Wasserman, Earl R. The Natural Malamuds World Ceres in Modern Critical Views Bernard Malamud. Ed. Harold Bloom. New YorkChelsea House Publishers. 47-64