"The Contender"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the book, "The Contender', by Robert Lipsyte and explains how it tells the tale of Alfred Brooks, a young boy who finds meaning in his life by giving everything he possesses, body and soul, to the great sport of boxing. It looks at how, by learning to be a contender in the ring, Alfred learns to contend with the stresses and the moral dilemmas of everyday life. It concludes that the book provides a truly inspiring tale that helps the reader redefine what it means to be a victorious athlete or human being.

From the Paper:

"No longer afraid, after honing his physical talents, Alfred begins to find a motivation within his soul beyond one of fear. He decides to become a champion boxer, so no one will be afraid of him, and he can discipline the world that hurt him mentally and physically with his fists. Boxing he believes will make him a man. The determination and physical power Alfred gets from Donatelli's Gym, however, is merely the first step in Alfred's spiritual quest. "You conquered your fear," said Mr. Donatelli, after Alfred has won third fight. (149) However, Donatelli tells Alfred, he no longer wishes to see his young protege in the ring, he wants Alfred to retire a champion. Instead of being matched against more difficult and brutal fighters, Donatelli encourages Alfred to keep training, and instead use his mind for other endeavors rather than simply beating people up. Now he can protect himself. Now he is strong. He doesn't need to prove himself anymore through violence in the ring."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lipsyte, Robert. The Contender. New York: HarperTrophy, 1987.

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• Analytical Essay # 46910 : "Series 7: The Contenders"
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