The Natural Book Summary

A Novel

by Bernard Malamud172

TL;DR

Bernard Malamud's 'The Natural' is a novel about the rise and tragic fall of Roy Hobbs, a naturally gifted baseball player, exploring themes of ambition, failure, and mythic heroism in American sports.

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What is The Natural about

'The Natural', Bernard Malamud's first novel, tells the story of Roy Hobbs, an extraordinarily talented baseball player with dreams of becoming the best in the game. Published in 1952, this novel transcends the sports genre by infusing it with the poetic depth and complexity characteristic of Malamud's work. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, failure, and redemption against the backdrop of America's favorite pastime. Despite its focus on baseball, the novel is a profound exploration of human nature and the mythic dimensions of heroism.

The Natural 7 Key Takeaways

Roy's Early Promise

Roy Hobbs, a young and exceptionally talented baseball player, is on his way to a tryout with the Chicago Cubs when he is shot and critically wounded by a mysterious woman named Harriet Bird.

The Comeback

Years later, Roy re-emerges in professional baseball with the New York Knights, determined to prove himself and fulfill his dream of becoming the best player ever.

The Affair with Memo

Roy becomes entangled with Memo Paris, the niece of the team's manager, a relationship that distracts him from his goals and contributes to his downfall.

The Slump

Roy experiences a severe batting slump, exacerbated by his unhealthy lifestyle and his obsession with Memo.

The Bribery Incident

Roy is offered a bribe to throw a crucial game. Initially reluctant, he eventually succumbs to the temptation, driven by his need for money and Memo's influence.

The Final Game

In the final game, Roy tries to redeem himself by playing to win, but his earlier choices catch up with him, leading to a heartbreaking defeat.

Roy's Realization

The novel ends with Roy crying bitter tears after a paperboy confronts him with the question, “Say it ain't true, Roy,” underscoring his tragic fall from grace.

Top The Natural Quotes

  • 'We have two lives, the life we learn with and the life we live with after that.'
  • 'I coulda been better. I coulda broke every record in the book.'

Who should read The Natural?

'The Natural' is ideal for readers who appreciate sports literature imbued with deeper philosophical and moral questions. Fans of American mythology, character-driven narratives, and classic literature will find this novel compelling.

About the Author

Bernard Malamud (1914-1986) was an acclaimed American novelist and short story writer. Often focusing on Jewish life in America, Malamud's work is known for its depth, moral complexity, and lyrical prose. His notable works include 'The Fixer', which won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and 'The Assistant'. 'The Natural' is his first novel, which established him as a significant voice in American literature.

The Natural Best Reviews

  • 'Malamud has done something which—now that he has done it!—looks as if we have been waiting for it all our lives. He has really raised the whole passion and craziness and fanaticism of baseball as a popular spectacle to its ordained place in mythology.' — Alfred Kazin

The Natural FAQs

What is the true story behind 'The Natural'?

The novel is partly inspired by the real-life incident of Phillies first baseman Eddie Waitkus, who was shot by a female fan in a Chicago hotel in 1949.

Why does Roy cry at the end of 'The Natural'?

Roy cries at the end of the novel after a paperboy confronts him with the question, 'Say it ain't true, Roy,' symbolizing his realization of his downfall and the shattering of his dreams.

Why was Roy Hobbs shot in 'The Natural'?

Roy is shot by Harriet Bird, a woman obsessed with killing athletes who do not play the game for the 'right' reasons. Roy's ambition and pride lead him to fail her moral test, resulting in the shooting.