Exploring The Consequences In Walter Dean Myers's Slam !

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Recommended: Introduction of self confidence

Having a big ego and too much self confidence can ruin a person’s ability to see the consequences of their actions, and make good choices in life. The book Slam is a book about a boy who switches schools and has to learn how to fit into his new school. He has a hard time keeping his grades up and getting along with the teachers, students, and coaches. In the story, Slam!, by Walter Dean Myers, Slam doesn’t foresee the consequences of his actions because of his ego, his immatureness, and his self confidence. To begin, Slam’s ego keeps him from seeing the consequences of his actions greatly, throughout the book Slam! Slam is a very popular kid who is a very good basketball player, so he feels that he has to act the part by being as “cool” as he can be. One instance in which Slam doesn’t foresee the consequences of his actions, because of his ego, is when he disrespects his coach when they play one-on-one. When Slam blocks one of his coaches shots, he tells the reader, “I go up and slap his mess away. I don’t even chase the ball, I just put my hand on my hip and give him a look.” (12) Slam could have just played the coach straight up and fair instead of having an attitude about it and being a jerk. Slam’s ego wouldn’t have been damaged by just playing the coach fairly. By playing the way he did, Slam dug himself into a hole. This left a bad impression on the coach, and the coach didn’t start Slam in any of the games, even though Slam was clearly the best one on his …show more content…

by Walter Dean Myers. There are many ways in which someone can be unable to foresee the consequences of their actions, and throughout the story, many feelings and emotions caused Slam to be unable to see them. Using this insight helps the reader get a feel for Slam’s personality. It shows the reader that Slam is very egotistical and

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