Discusses the theme of perseverance in Michael Shaara’s novel on baseball player, Billy Chapel, and how this theme compares in other novels.
This paper introduces and analyzes the book, For Love of the Game, by Michael Shaara. Specifically, it discusses the book in relation to other works: The Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Hemingway and The Odyssey by Homer. Perseverance is one reason baseball pitcher Billy Chapel has maintained his career, and perseverance is a key ingredient in the sports world, but also for survival in many other areas as well.
Perseverance and endurance usually lead to growth and knowledge in the end, and these stories all show that perseverance can lead to personal growth and transformation, just at it can lead to survival and competitive toughness. Throughout the book, Billy is continually reminded that he needs to grow up; in fact, he even thinks it to himself. Billy Boy, Billy Boy, you’ll have to grow up someday” (Shaara 11). His personal journey includes allowing himself to care about someone else more than he cares about the game he plays every day. When he finally allows himself to love Carol, he has completed his journey, and his enduring love of the game encompasses his enduring love of the woman who has supported him all these years.”