Short Fiction · Chapter
Champion explained
The chapter focuses on the public persona versus the private reality of champion boxer Midge Kelly.
What happens
The chapter focuses on the public persona versus the private reality of champion boxer Midge Kelly. A reporter, Joe Morgan, writes a flattering but inaccurate story about Midge's clean living and devotion to family, based on the trainer Wallie Adams's embellishments. In private, Midge is revealed to be selfish and callous, discarding letters from his wife and mother who plead for money and attention, while he prioritizes his mistress Grace. The narrative also flashes back to Midge's earlier days in Milwaukee, where he exploited a woman named Emma Hersch, borrowed money from her, and was forced to marry her after being confronted by her family, only to abandon her immediately after. The chapter contrasts the public's idealized image of the champion with his morally corrupt and exploitative behavior.
Themes in this chapter
Celebrity and Artistic Integrity
The chapter contrasts the public's idealized image of the champion with the reality of his corrupt and exploitative behavior, highlighting the disconnect between media portrayal and personal integrity.
Marriage and Gender Roles
Midge's treatment of his wife Emma and his mother reflects traditional gender roles where women are dependent on men, but Midge shirks his responsibilities, revealing the darker side of these roles.
Characters to notice
- Midge Kelly
The champion boxer, publicly portrayed as a clean-living family man, but privately reveals selfishness and disregard for his wife and mother.
- Tommy Haley
Midge's trainer, who is aware of Midge's true character and comments on his growth and attitude.
- Joe Morgan
A reporter from The News who interviews Wallie Adams and writes the flattering but inaccurate story about Midge.
- Grace
Midge's mistress, who writes him a letter asking for money and expressing her desire to be with him.
- Emma Hersch
A woman from Milwaukee whom Midge exploited and was forced to marry; she later writes to him as his wife, asking for money for their sick baby.
Key passages
“He’s so quiet you wouldn’t never know he was round. And he’d go to jail before he’d talk about himself.”
He is so modest and reserved that you would hardly notice him, and he would rather go to jail than boast about himself.
Wallie Adams's description of Midge's public persona, which is later contradicted by his private actions.
“Money, money, money!” he said. “They must think I’m made o’ money.”
Midge complains that everyone seems to think he has unlimited money, showing his resentment toward the financial demands of his family.
Midge's reaction to the letters from his wife and mother, revealing his selfishness.
“I can lick the best of ’em,” he reasoned, “but there ain’t no more chanct for me here.”
Midge believes he can defeat anyone, but he feels there are no more opportunities for him in Milwaukee.
Midge's internal justification for leaving Milwaukee, despite his obligations.