The tone of this poem is sad and reminiscent. The narrator speaks in a somewhat regretful tenor; his description of Flick gives the reader the impression that Flick has turned into a somewhat pathetic gas-pumper, who’s been left with nothing but past aspirations of playing basketball.

What is the theme for ex-basketball player?

The theme of this poem is about a high school basketball star that has become less successful in the future. The theme focuses on the point that if one doesn’t work hard on their goals, they will never reach their dreams. Also, if you do not reach your goals you can end up living a disappointing life.

What type of poem is ex-basketball player?

John Updike poem “The Ex-Basketball player” is a form free verse poem written in third person narrator about a young man, Flick Webb who still lives in his past rather than moving forward in his life.

What poetic devices are used in ex-basketball player?

In the poem “Ex-Basketball Player,” John Updike utilizes imagery and personification to achieve his purpose of urging the youth of society to avoid the failure of relying on one dream for their future.

What is ex-basketball player by John Updike about?

John Updike’s “Ex-Basketball Player,” a poem of five stanzas each containing six lines and written in blank verse, describes the life of Flick Webb, once a high-school basketball star but now, his glorious past several years behind him, a gas-station attendant whose life appears to have reached a dead end.

What are stanzas in a poem?

stanza, a division of a poem consisting of two or more lines arranged together as a unit. More specifically, a stanza usually is a group of lines arranged together in a recurring pattern of metrical lengths and a sequence of rhymes.

Is ex basketball player a narrative?

In the poem, “Ex – Basketball Player” by john Updike, (which is a narrative poem) illustrates the nature of life on how life is potentially is seen has a mirror to other people’s life, especially people who play sports.

Is there a rhyme scheme in ex basketball player?

There is no rhyme scheme in this poem. Simile: “His hands were like wild birds.” This simile is comparing his hands to wild birds stating that Flick was always taking shots cause his hands were always in the air like a bird.

What do the Necco wafers nibs and juju beads symbolize or represent?

Updike also personifies the Necco wafers, Nibs, and Juju beads, explaining that these candies are the “bright applauding tiers” that Flick now imagines are his fans.