Mike Has No Tennis Racket

Introduction

Mike Has No Tennis Racket is a short story written by Ernest Hemingway天博体育官方平台入口. The story is about a young boy named Mike who is passionate about playing tennis but does not have a tennis racket. The story is a reflection of the struggles of the working-class people in the 1920s and the importance of resourcefulness and determination in achieving one's goals.

Summary

The story begins with Mike's desire to play tennis. He is a young boy who lives in a working-class neighborhood and has no access to a tennis court or a racket. Despite this, he is determined to play the game and starts practicing his swings with a broomstick. He is mocked by his friends who have proper tennis rackets, but he remains undeterred.

One day, Mike sees a tennis racket in a store window and decides that he must have it. He does not have enough money to buy it, so he starts doing odd jobs around the neighborhood to earn the money. He does everything from washing cars to mowing lawns. He works hard and saves every penny he earns.

After several weeks of hard work, Mike finally has enough money to buy the tennis racket. He rushes to the store, but when he gets there, he realizes that the racket has been sold. He is devastated and feels like all his hard work has been for nothing.

However, Mike's determination does not waver. He continues to practice with his broomstick and eventually becomes so good that he is able to beat his friends who have proper tennis rackets. His friends are amazed by his skill and start to respect him for his determination and hard work.

Analysis

The story is a reflection of the struggles of the working-class people in the 1920s. Mike's desire to play tennis is a symbol of the American Dream, which was a popular concept during that time. The American Dream was the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, could achieve success through hard work and determination.

Mike's determination to play tennis despite not having the proper equipment is a testament to the importance of resourcefulness and determination in achieving one's goals. His willingness to do odd jobs to earn money shows that hard work and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

The story also highlights the importance of friendship and respect. Mike's friends initially mock him for using a broomstick as a tennis racket, but they eventually come to respect him for his determination and skill. This shows that true friendship is based on mutual respect and admiration.

Conclusion

Mike Has No Tennis Racket is a powerful story that teaches us the importance of hard work, determination, and resourcefulness. It is a reflection of the struggles of the working-class people in the 1920s and the American Dream. The story is a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their background or circumstances.