Jazz's meaning is embedded in what seems like chaos, just like the meaning found in life. What do references to jazz and hip-hop contribute to the novel as a whole?ĭad loves jazz, a musical form that is a corollary of basketball in its improvisational nature, its energy, and its reliance on the team/other musicians with the opportunity for a single figure to occasionally shine. The narratives he tells himself are incorrigible, and Mom's insistence that he make a doctor's appointment can barely make a dent in them. Self-delusion also comes into play, because Chuck clearly experiences symptoms of hypertension and heart trouble but has convinced himself that he's fine-he simply ate something bad, played too hard, etc. This conviction seemed to only grow over time, to the point that Chuck decided to forego a chance to try out for the Lakers because he was too afraid to have surgery. He suffered his own trauma watching his father die in the hospital, and he concluded that doctors and medical institutions were problems. Why doesn't Chuck want to acknowledge that he is sick?Ĭhuck is a very good and very loving father, but he has a massive blind spot that he does not heed until it is too late. The two of them are "Da Man" now: they are living embodiments of their father, and they work best when they are in harmony with each other. As Josh learns from his mistakes, JB learns to forgive Josh and move on. Josh's letter is a big help because it is honest and moving his small gestures like letting JB study off of his notes help further and, finally, Dad's death cements the fact that they are family and family is important above all else. However, Josh does not give up, and that contributes to JB's realization that his brother is truly sorry.
JB is justifiably shaken when Josh demonstrates aggression towards him, and he refuses to talk to him or accept his apology for a long time. Josh doesn't want Dad to call him "Filthy" anymore, especially as Dad grows sicker and sicker, because he wants Dad to see him as more than just a basketball player. However, it represents only one facet of his personality, and as he starts to watch JB change and Dad face health issues, he starts to eschew "Filthy" and return to "Josh." Josh is a more multi-faceted name that includes his status as a son, brother, student, friend, potential boyfriend (he wishes!), and, still, basketball star. It connotes his charm, his talent, his controlled aggression, and his showmanship. Josh's nickname is from Dad, and it encapsulates his skill on the basketball court.
Sometimes, they're given to a character sometimes, they're insisted upon by that character sometimes, they wear out their welcome. Nicknames are an important component of the text. Why does Josh vacillate between his given name and "Filthy McNasty"?
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