Part 2, Chapter 9 Summary

Friday night rolls around. Mick psyches himself up for the game. His father has managed to get half the night off and will be in the stands for as much of the game as he can make.

Part 2, Chapter 9 Analysis

Mike is so invested in his son's football career that he is able to take off part of work to come watch the game. Mick is very excited to be able to play, and this shows in the locker room before the game when the team yells and pounds on lockers to get themselves psyched up for the game. The author takes special care to relate to the reader the excitement prevalent before games, and this catches the reader's attention and makes the reader feel attached to the team. The reader thus far has had a personal emotional investment in Mick...