Passion is definitely a marvelous thing that everyone hopes for and talks about once he or she has found it. However passion can be a horrible thing, and cloud your mind to the extent of making bad decisions look like good ones. A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between a passion and responsibility. Roy Hobbs, the protagonist in Bernard Malamud’s novel The Natural, has just such a battle to overtake. Roy’s “love” for Memo Paris is certainly influencing his decisions and in the way of his responsibilities.
Passion is a major part of The Natural and it seems as though Roy’s passion always leads to the worst. Roy’s passion for Harriet Bird results in a fifteen-year setback on his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. His passion for Iris ends with a pregnancy. The most important passion in the story is Roy’s passion with Memo Paris. Roy always had his eye on Memo Paris and when
The story comes together piece by piece towards the end. The team makes it to the finals of National League pennant race thanks to Roy’s outstanding efforts. However, Roy is far too old and worn out to play another year. This brings upon the stories climax. Roy has to make a few decisions with his life. He has devoted all of his time to baseball and now it seems he has nowhere to turn except for Memo. Memo wants to marry Roy but seems to think he needs at least $50, 000 dollars in order to be successful after baseball. It is at this time that the owner of the club, the Judge, approaches Roy about losing the pennant game on purpose and promises Roy $35,000. Roy agrees because of his future with Memo. The war between passion and responsibility is definitely obvious and the reader desperately hopes Roy comes to his senses and chooses the responsibility towards his team, coach, fans and most importantly himself over his cor
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