Major is the antagonist of the novel. He represents the cynical, repressive, manipulative side of Harlem that Alfred initially fights to escape and ultimately learns to overcome. Leader of the gang that hangs out at the basement clubroom, Major would like to bring everyone down to his level or, preferably, […]
Read more Character Analysis MajorCharacter Analysis Spoon
Bill “Spoon” Witherspoon is the novel’s best example of the Donatelli code put to practice. Spoon had been a promising light-heavyweight boxer, ranked seventh in his division. He was still winning fights when Mr. Donatelli said, “Billy, I think it’s time,” meaning Donatelli thought it was time for Spoon to […]
Read more Character Analysis SpoonCharacter Analysis Mr. Donatelli
Vito Donatelli has seen it all. He has worked with world champions like Sugar Ray Robinson and with punks like Red, the boastful egocentric fighter who foolishly takes a swing at Bud Martin near the end of Chapter 6. Donatelli has shaped a philosophy from his lifetime of watching and […]
Read more Character Analysis Mr. DonatelliCharacter Analysis James
As the novel opens, James Mosely is Alfred’s lifetime best friend. However, James has already started on a path opposite Alfred’s. In the novel’s first chapter, James joins Major and the gang in an attempted burglary of Epsteins’ grocery. Although Alfred inadvertently tells the gang that cash may be in […]
Read more Character Analysis JamesCharacter Analysis Alfred Brooks
Alfred Brooks is a black seventeen-year-old high school dropout who lives with his Aunt Pearl and her three daughters in Harlem. His father deserted the family when Alfred was ten years old; his mother died when he was thirteen. Alfred’s story parallels the major theme of the novel, which is […]
Read more Character Analysis Alfred BrooksSummary and Analysis Chapter 20
Summary When Alfred returns home after his last match, Aunt Pearl is visibly upset. Alfred quickly explains that he is so late because everyone went to eat at a restaurant where Jelly now works. However, Aunt Pearl is not concerned about Alfred’s tardiness or even the injuries to his face. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 20Summary and Analysis Chapter 19
Summary Alfred prepares for his last fight, at Parkway Gardens in Brooklyn, as he did the others, but he is noticeably more nervous. The fight will be the climax of Alfred’s climb, just as, structurally, it is the climax of the novel. All other activity has led to this crescendo. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 19Summary and Analysis Chapter 18
Summary Alfred has two matches scheduled in December. The first is against a fighter named Barnes who is not as quick as Griffin or as strong as Rivera but is a rough customer who fights dirty. Donatelli’s approach is to have Alfred stick and move, punishing Barnes while staying away […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 18Summary and Analysis Chapter 17
Summary The family gathers at the home of Uncle Wilson and Aunt Dorothy for Thanksgiving. Despite Wilson’s usual display of pompous authority, Alfred thinks it is the best Thanksgiving ever. He is surprised that he gets along so well with his cousin Jeff, the college boy. Jeff expresses an interest […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 17Summary and Analysis Chapter 16
Summary November brings Alfred’s second amateur fight, this one against a very fast and skillful boxer named Griffin. Donatelli wants Alfred to move in against Griffin and use combinations as he did when sparring against the speedy Angel. Alfred tries but runs into the red blur of Griffin’s gloves. The […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 16