Answer:
Updike has carefully brought the meaning to the poem and to the character by naming him Flick, which means a quick and sudden movement.
Explanation:
'Ex-Basketball Player' is a poem written by John Updike. The poem is about a character named 'Flick Webb' who used to be basketball star in his high school but now serves as a gas station attendant.
<u>The poem brings the meaning that one should not remain the past glory of life and must move on</u>. Flick used to be a basketball star in his high school but after that moment of life gets over he is just 'Flick' who, now, should think of life ahead of him. But he remains stick to his past glory.
"Flick' means a <u>quick and sudden movement</u>. By naming the character 'Flick', Updike brings out the message that life goes on in a flick moment of time and thus one should remain prepared for it. But, in the poem, 'Flick' was not prepared for life ahead and remained a slave of past glory as an 'Ex-Basketball Player.' Because 'Flick' perceived that his glory will remain forever, he never learned other skills to help him for his future, that's why now he serves as a gas station attendant.
<span>"Chance" can signify an opportunity (i.e. the chance to prove yourself), or it could refer to luck (i.e. It was by chance that he won). "To lead" means to be in charge (i.e. Since she has great communication skills, she can lead the group). "Before" means previously or prior (i.e. I need to study before taking the test). "To get to" means to reach (i.e. We can take a break once we get to the mountain). "To enjoy" means to be pleased by something (i.e. I always enjoy a piece of chocolate cake after a long day). "Cuisine" refers to cooking or meals (My mom's cuisine rivals that of any top chef). "Leaving" can mean to go away (i.e. I'm leaving in five minutes) or to allow something to stay (i.e. I'm leaving the keys on the table). "To buy in advance" means to purchase something before you need it, in anticipation of needing it (i.e. I don't need the books for another two weeks, but I bought them in advance to make sure I have them). </span>
