Junior's Poem 'You Can Do It'

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‘ “You can do it.” . . . Do you understand about amazing it is to hear that from an adult? Do you know how amazing it is to hear that from anybody? It’s one of the simplest sentences in the world, just four words, but they’re the four hugest words in the world when they’re put together.’ (p. 189) On Junior’s search to understand his identity, which becomes even more confused when he enters the ‘white world’, he meets many mentors, including Mr. P, his basketball coach and other friends who all play a role in helping him to understand and confront his feelings. ‘The quality of a man’s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavour.’ (p. 148) In order to pursue his dreams, Junior must overcome the…show more content…
Numerous deaths occur as a direct result of alcohol and Junior recognizes this is one of the biggest threats to his community. ‘We all cried in the locker room for hours. Coach cried, too. I guess that’s the only time that men and boys get to cry and not get punched in the face.’ (p. 196) ‘We just shot lazy jumpers for a few minutes. We didn’t talk. Didn’t need to talk. We were basketball twins.’ (p. 228) Basketball is one of the central motifs in the novel and provides a link between Junior’s old world and new life. The first basketball game illustrates the hostility between Junior and his old school and friends, whereas the second game illustrates Junior’s new-found confidence and hope. One of the most poignant moments of the novel is when Junior’s team wins but then he realises he cannot take any pleasure in the victory. This more than anything highlights the way Junior will always be torn between his two worlds. Basketball also highlights how males communicate with each other and how social codes (not being able to cry or touch) can be suspended when sport is

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