“CLOZE” Essay:
Characterization in The Fighter
“The Fighter” is a short story written by Walter Dean Myers. The story is about a man named Billy who is a young father and husband living in New York City. Billy seems desperate to earn money for his family. Even though his wife does not approve, he participates in boxing matches in order to make extra income. Myers presents both Billy and his wife, Johnnie Mae, as strong characters with distinct traits: Billy is a dishonest man while Johnnie Mae is a caring person.
Billy is clearly a dishonest man. First of all,"Billy Giles told his wife that he was just going to the gym to work out." This is a very disturbing because instend of going to work out, he is actually going to a potentally life or death problem. Second of all, "He had told Johnnie Mae that he did not finish high school but he really hadn't." Billy is ashamed to tell Johnnie Mae that he did not finish high school. Third of all, "Later he would have to tell Johnnie Mae that they couldn't buy the the t.v. because he culdn't back out of the game." He has too large of an ego to back down from the deal and doesn't want to be honest about what he can afford. As readers, however, we are able to empathize with Billy because everyone lies for a reason.
Johnnie Mae appears to be an incredibly caring wife and person. Firstly, "Johnnie Mae was awake. When she saw him she knew that he'd been fighting and that he'd lost." She is caring because she doesn't want to make him feel bad because he'd lost. Secondly," Billy took the money out of his pocket and threw it on the table. She thrown the money on the floor, then realizing that she had hurt him she picked it up and placed it on the cabinet." She cares more about his health than the money. Third of all, "I love you baby," she said. " I love you so much." She still loves him after all the lies he had told her.
Johnnie Mae appears to be an incredibly caring wife and person. Firstly, "Johnnie Mae was awake. When she saw him she knew that he'd been fighting and that he'd lost." She is caring because she doesn't want to make him feel bad because he'd lost. Secondly," Billy took the money out of his pocket and threw it on the table. She thrown the money on the floor, then realizing that she had hurt him she picked it up and placed it on the cabinet." She cares more about his health than the money. Third of all, "I love you baby," she said. " I love you so much." She still loves him after all the lies he had told her.
