The Glory Field Sparknotes

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Many individuals hold a special place in their hearts for dreams and fantasies they wish that one day will come true--many of those do, and others not so much. Walter Dean Meyers, the author of The Glory Field, shares of the family tree of a strong-willed, go-and-do type of family-- the Lewises. All the characters displayed in this novel, express some kind of trial in one way or another, leading them to abandon their lifelong dreams. Many Lewis’ characters sacrifice their freedom dreams and by doing so behold many Lewis’ traits; Lizzy abandons the thought of living in Johnson City with Ms. Julia, Luvenia puts her anticipation of going to college on the back-burner, and Tommy gives up on his dream of playing basketball at state. Curry Island, …show more content…

When Mr. Chase, a former basketball star, confronts Tommy with the idea of receiving a basketball scholarship to Johnson City State College, Tommy falls in love with the proposal. Mr. Chase provides Tommy with a few simple guidelines to keep in mind to insure he keeps his scholarship--one of those being not “‘get[ting] caught up in any demonstrations or anything,’” (254). Hesitant at first, Tommy attempts to stay out of trouble and continues to keep his grades up. However, when faced with the decision to either stand up for his family and his rights, Tommy willingly participates in a “demonstration” by shackling himself to Sheriff Moser with the chains that his six-times great-grandfather, Muhammad traveled to the Americas with in slave ships (282). By partaking in this audacious act, Tommy threw away his only chance to play basketball and Johnson City State College. Although Tommy gave up on his dream, he protected his family from the harmful hate messages being spread. Not just his family, but the whole black community in Johnson City. Tommy demonstrates a courageous and sacrificial attitude, when he gives up his dream of playing basketball at State, as the rest of his ancestors before him

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