What are the main themes in John Fante's 'Big Leaguer' short story?

Well, 'Big Leaguer' by John Fante is a great short story. It often shows the dreams and struggles of the characters. It might be about a person aiming for the big leagues in baseball, which could be a metaphor for achieving big dreams in life. The characters in it are likely to face various difficulties and setbacks on their way to their so - called 'big league' goals.

One common theme is the struggle of the working - class. Fante often depicts characters facing economic hardships and trying to make a living. Another theme could be the search for identity. His characters are often on a journey to figure out who they are in a tough world.

Many of the main characters are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. They are grappling with the challenges of fitting into a new society while still holding onto their cultural roots. For example, some characters struggle with language barriers and discrimination. Also, there are some characters who are artists or writers in their own right, trying to find their voice in a world that may not value their creativity immediately.

As I don't know which one is his best love story precisely, it's hard to say. But in his works, the main characters in love stories could be ordinary people trying to find love and meaning in their lives. They might be young and naive, or more mature and world - weary.

Since I don't know the exact story, it could be about two people from different backgrounds falling in love. John Fante might have delved into how they overcome obstacles such as family differences, social status disparities, or personal insecurities. His writing usually has a very vivid portrayal of characters, so the love story might have characters that are both flawed and endearing, making their love journey all the more engaging.

Once there was a big leaguer named Tom. He started from a small town. His journey was full of hardships. He practiced every day, facing the scorching sun and cold wind. His first game in the big league was a disaster. He made several mistakes. But he didn't give up. He learned from his mistakes and worked even harder. Eventually, he became one of the best players in the league, winning championships and the respect of his teammates and fans.

The perseverance is very inspiring. Big leaguers often face setbacks like injuries or slumps in form, but they keep going. For example, a player might get injured and have to go through a long rehabilitation process, yet still come back stronger.

One unique feature might be Fante's voice. His writing is very distinct, so in this collection, his new short stories could have that same unique voice that sets them apart from other works. It might be in the way he describes the settings or the characters.

Conformity vs. non - conformity is also a key theme. The store has its set of rules and expectations. The girls in bathing suits break the unwritten dress code, and Sammy's reaction to the store manager's treatment of them shows the struggle between following the norms and standing up for what one believes is right.

Common themes in his short stories might include cultural clashes. Since he often wrote about the interaction between different cultures, like in some of his works set in the context of East - West cultural encounters.