The Natural by Bernard Malamud

In the story, The Natural, certain characters and events are portrayed in a distinctive way that makes this story unique to other books and shows the typical writing style of the narrator. The author uses a repetitive writing technique that is impossible to overlook. The writer of this book is able to catch the reader’s eye with his concept of the importance of beautiful description. The Natural, by Bernard Malamud, uses great imagery that makes the story appealing.

In the beginning of The Natural, Roy Hobbs is a young man who has his whole life ahead of him. He is being picked up by a scout and is looking forward to a career in the major leagues. Malamud shows imagery in the story to highlight turning points and moments that have great importance by saying, “The bullet cut a silver line across the water. He sought with his bare hands to catch it, but it eluded him and, to his horror, bounced into his gut. A twisted dagger of smoke drifted up from the gun barrel. Fallen on one knee he groped for the bullet, sickened as it moved, and fell over as the forest flew upward, and she, and muted noises of triumph and despair, danced on her toes around the stricken hero”(Malamud, 28). Harriet asks Roy if he will be the best in the game, and when he says yes, she shoots him in the stomach. This is a turning point in the story because Roy realizes that his chances of playing in the major leagues are fading away. Roy is worried about his health and whether or not he will get another opportunity to play baseball.

The story’s initial setting is Roy on a train with his scout, Sam Simpson. Malamud gives the reader information regarding where the story is taking place and where Roy has come from with great imagery when he writes, “As the ...

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... to his regular spot in the sun field and Earl hit him some long flies, all of which he ran for and caught with gusto, even those that went close to the wall, which was unusual for him because he didn’t like to go too near it.” (51) In this description of Bump’s work habits, the reader sees that Roy’s presence affects the other players on the team. Bump starts working hard and the team begins winning more and more games. Malamud’s visual, tactile, and auditory imagery dominate the relationship between Bump and Roy.

Throughout the story, Malamud uses all types of imagery to display important events, Roy’s accomplishments, and characters relationships. The imagery takes hold of the reader and makes the story appealing and tasteful. The Natural, by Bernard Malamud, uses beautiful and colorful imagery that makes the overall story an interesting and enjoyable read.