Chapter 2: Quizer - Tony Baregi

Chapter 2: Quizzer

1. Describe the effect of the “handshake” Ned received from Jim.

Jim was the first of the teammates on the bowling team to introduce himself towards Ned. At this point Vincent was still scared about fitting in with the guys, however once the handshake occurred it completely changed things. Vincent describes it as “an instant inclusion in a camaraderie that felt very old and practiced.”(25) Vincent compared the male hand shake to that of a greeting with other women and found that a man’s handshake was much more sincere than that of a woman’s.

2. Describe how Jim in detail, and how he was able to become instant friends with Ned.

Jim’s personality was the biggest influence on Ned. He had a certain kind of humor that could win over any crowd. Also his openness with pretty much anything that has happened to himself in life. An example of this was his description of his wife. Most people when talking about a loved one’s illnesses seem to be uneasy, with Jim he never seemed to get overly angry or sad about what he was going through.

3. How does the song “A Boy Named Sue” play a role in the raising of men?
When the guys were bowling and just hanging out exchanging stories the song “A Boy Named Sue” by Jonny Cash was brought up in conversation. They were on the subject of how Allen raises his son Alex. The song talks about a boy who is beaten up in life, and in turn when grown up is a better tougher man. Alex is being taught the same way by his father throwing him into the “wild.” Allen describes that even if he does get beat and ridiculed that in the end it is for the better.

4.How do the other teammates view their marriages?

At the bowling alley every Monday night the guys on the team would have many talks about various things. During these talks they did a lot of dirty talk amongst themselves talking about strip clubs and other various activities. Vincent found this to be the typical guy talk that most associate with men. The surprising fact to Norah was she realized the absolute reverence they held their wives in. The men felt it was necessary to lie about these things but in the end the cherished their wives. There were no judgments on these bowling nights, nothing but being honest.