Question

how does Updike bring meaning to the poem, "Ex-Basketball Player", and to the character by naming him Flick?​

Answer 1

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.

The poem brings the meaning that one should not remain the past glory of life and must move on. 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 quick and sudden movement. 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.