What is the theme of the poem the ex-basketball player?
The theme of this poem is about a high school basketball star that has become less successful in the future. The theme focuses on the point that if one doesn’t work hard on their goals, they will never reach their dreams. Also, if you do not reach your goals you can end up living a disappointing life.
What poetic devices are used in ex-basketball player?
Throughout the poem, John Updike sneaks examples of literary devices, such as personification, diction, and imagery into his writing. He uses the literary devices to create an abstract view of Flick Webb’s life.
Is ex-basketball player a narrative poem?
In the poem, “Ex – Basketball Player” by john Updike, (which is a narrative poem) illustrates the nature of life on how life is potentially is seen has a mirror to other people’s life, especially people who play sports.
What do the Necco wafers nibs and juju beads symbolize or represent?
The Necco Wafers, Nibs, and Juju Beads symbolize the fans that used to cheer for Flick when he played high school basketball.
When did John Updike write ex-basketball player?
1954
Is Rabbit, Run a deeper exploration of themes you first dealt with in “Ex-Basketball Player?” Flick came first, in a poem written in 1954—my first “serious” poem published in The New Yorker.
What does the ball loved flick mean?
One of the poem’s messages is to do what you love while you still have the opportunity, and this stanza showes Flick’s love for basketball. These details are heu in helping the author get his message across.
What kind of poem is ex-basketball player?
“Ex-Basketball Player” is written in blank verse, or lines of unrhymed iambic pentameter.
What is the imagery of ex-basketball player?
In the poem “Ex-Basketball Player,” John Updike utilizes imagery and personification to achieve his purpose of urging the youth of society to avoid the failure of relying on one dream for their future. John Updike uses imagery to depict Flick’s depressing present life and compare it to the splendor of his past.
What type of poem is ex-basketball player?
What is the metaphor in ex-basketball player?
Poetic Style in “Ex-Basketball Player” The winding road leading through town is a metaphor for Flick’s own life. It turns past the high school, his glory days, and halts abruptly at the gas station where he will most likely work for the rest of his life.
What does His hands were like wild birds mean?
In the third stanza of “Ex-Basketball Player,” by John Updike, the poet uses the simile, “His hands were like wild birds” to convey the incredible swiftness Flick Webb had when he played basketball.
What does Pearl Avenue represent in the poem ex-basketball player?
This opening description of the street foreshadows the fate of the titular athlete, Flick Webb. He was apparently a phenomenal basketball player when he was young. The speaker even describes him as “the best” and as a county record holder in scoring points in a season.