Suggestions for Writing

1. Write an essay in which you analyze the strategies that Talese uses in paragraphs 116–124 to add complexity and nuance to his portrayal of Joe DiMaggio.

   Question

   WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=

   Chapter 9 - The Silent Season of a Hero - Suggestions for Writing: Write an essay in which you analyze the strategies that Talese uses in paragraphs 116–124 to add complexity and nuance to his portrayal of Joe DiMaggio.
2. In this profile of the Yankee player, Talese doesn’t hide the fact that DiMaggio smokes, drinks alcohol, and is dismissive of women. Write an essay in which you examine the responsibility of sportswriters. Should they airbrush their subjects to ensure that they meet their obligations as role models? Or should sportswriters give us the unvarnished truth?

   Question

   WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=

   Chapter 9 - The Silent Season of a Hero - Suggestions for Writing: In this profile of the Yankee player, Talese doesn’t hide the fact that DiMaggio smokes, drinks alcohol, and is dismissive of women. Write an essay in which you examine the responsibility of sportswriters. Should they airbrush their subjects to ensure that they meet their obligations as role models? Or should sportswriters give us the unvarnished truth?
3. Examine the parts of the selection that are about Marilyn Monroe, especially the anecdote about her performing for the troops in Korea (paras. 48–50). Write an essay about how, in the absence of details about why her marriage to DiMaggio failed, the language suggests that perhaps the marriage could not accommodate two egos as strong as DiMaggio’s and Monroe’s. Read other accounts of the marriage to see if they support or contradict Talese’s, and refer to them in your essay.

   Question

   WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=

   Chapter 9 - The Silent Season of a Hero - Suggestions for Writing: Examine the parts of the selection that are about Marilyn Monroe, especially the anecdote about her performing for the troops in Korea (paras. 48–50). Write an essay about how, in the absence of details about why her marriage to DiMaggio failed, the language suggests that perhaps the marriage could not accommodate two egos as strong as DiMaggio’s and Monroe’s. Read other accounts of the marriage to see if they support or contradict Talese’s, and refer to them in your essay.
4. Read “Sinatra Has a Cold,” Talese’s profile of Frank Sinatra. Compare and contrast it with “The Silent Season of a Hero.” How is the author’s voice similar or different? Compare the treatment of DiMaggio and Sinatra as embodiments of a masculine ideal.

   Question

   WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=

   Chapter 9 - The Silent Season of a Hero - Suggestions for Writing: Read “Sinatra Has a Cold,” Talese’s profile of Frank Sinatra. Compare and contrast it with “The Silent Season of a Hero.” How is the author’s voice similar or different? Compare the treatment of DiMaggio and Sinatra as embodiments of a masculine ideal.
5. Paragraphs 53–56 recount DiMaggio’s 1941 hitting streak, which ended at a record-breaking fifty-six games. During this streak, the New York Yankees went from fourth place in the American League to victory in the World Series. The missing bat—returned by a rueful fan—seems to have been the magic charm. Compare this account with other tales of heroes who depend on the power of a sword, a shield, or some other special piece of equipment.

   Question

   WvD/qlpt4lzzWb4zUwGWBQhKPjtDvqj8sRamu7J1DAyqPwYZ7lQ7Wr5WbEA=

   Chapter 9 - The Silent Season of a Hero - Suggestions for Writing: Paragraphs 53–56 recount DiMaggio’s 1941 hitting streak, which ended at a record-breaking fifty-six games. During this streak, the New York Yankees went from fourth place in the American League to victory in the World Series. The missing bat—returned by a rueful fan—seems to have been the magic charm. Compare this account with other tales of heroes who depend on the power of a sword, a shield, or some other special piece of equipment.