Characters and Relationships
Myocardial infarction has caused some complications for this character.
Who is Chuck "Da Man" Bell?
When the game is on the line, don't fear (Alexander 214).
What is Basketball Rule #9?
Don't get lazy on your crossover (Alexander 218).
What is effort? Crossover = effort in sport; death of dad; legacy of dad in relationship between the brothers.
"You know we can't be sure what causes a myocardial infarction. I say, what bout doughnuts and fried chicken and genetics?"
What is sarcasm?
The family celebrates Christmas with relatives from five states in this room (Alexander 207).
What is Dad's hospital room?
Who is Josh Bell?
Grab the ball. Take it to the hoop (Alexander 214).
What is Basketball Rule #9?
"I watch the ball leave his hands like a bird up high, skating the sky, crossing over us."
What is love/loss/family?
"Happy is a huge river right now and I've forgotten how to swim." (Alexander 207)
What is a metaphor?
On Christmas Eve, and dad says "Filthy, I didn't jump ship" (Alexander 206).
What is dad finally wakes up?
This feeling is expressed by Josh when he says, "Who's gonna fix the damage that's been done to mine?" in responding to his dad who must stay in the hospital (Alexander 211).
What is anger?
A loss is inevitable, like snow in winter.
What is basketball rule #10?
"I wish the ref could stop the clock on my life" (Alexander 219).
What is grief/loss?
"He's no longer listening to music, but his tears are loud enough to dance to (Alexander 215)".
What is a metaphor?
This happens, "As we're about to leave for the final game." (Alexander 215).
What is Dad. Had. Another. Attack. (Crystal Stanley Bell)?
These two leave Josh playing Madden, saying his prayers and eating doughnuts alone.
Who is Chuck and Jordan Bell?
True champions learn to dance through the storm.
What is basketball rule #10?
The healing between Josh and JB illustrates this theme.
What is forgiveness (and family)?
Anaphora is a fancy word for doing this in writing "Flop flop flop, tick tock tick tock tick tock, slam slam slam, screech screech screech (Alexander 216).
What is repetition? (it is meant to create intensity).
In this moment, JB chooses to bike to the hospital, following his mum's car, instead of going here.
What is miss the championship game?
At this moment, the preacher says "A great father; son and husband has crossed over. Amen" (Alexander 228).
What is Chuck Bell's funeral?
This basketball rule is not in Q4/Overtime.
If you miss enough of life's free throws you will pay in the end (Alexander 71).
Hey, I shout, We Da Man. And when he turns around I toss him the ball.
What is brotherhood/family?
This final "crossover" is growing from boy to man and learning from loss.
What is symbolism?
Published in Article #2, in the Daily News (Jan 14) (Alexander 225).
What is the announcement of Chuck "Da Man" Bell's death.