Outside Reading - Week 5, Post A

A Golfer's Life by Arnold Palmer

VOCAB
footbridge (274) - a bridge intended for pedestrians only
erred (322) - To make an error or a mistake


APPEALS
1. "Once again, I cried in public." This is an emotional appeal. It puts it into perspective for the reader that Arnold Palmer, a very talented and famous golfer, who appears to be to kept together, cries too. He was not crying out of sadness, but because of the happiness from winning a major tournament, the British Open.

2. "'Let me get this going,' I promised the stone-faced instructor. 'Let me do something and I'll be right back.'" This is a logical appeal. It shows how Arnie will attempt to do anything in order to do it the right way. You want to know if his one last shot at getting the engine of the plane going will be worth it.

3. "It's an engaging memory." This is a logical appeal. You are kept on the edge of your seat wanting to know the memory and how great it will be, him learning how to fly.

QUOTE
"The judge held my future in his hands, and i watched him as he read over the agreement. I knew we were in big trouble when his fave contorted and he looked as if he had personally been insulted" (299). This quote means a lot because Arnold is awaiting to hear whether his new company, the Arnold Palmer Golf Company, would be able to become a company. His business partner Mark was telling his friends that Arnold would be a millionaire whether the judge liked it or not. This was a huge part of his life because it opened the doors for so many opportunities, and now that company is thriving. It manufactures and distributes top quality professional grade golf clubs and accessories, and owns various properties throughout the country. It is the business legacy of Arnold Palmer. It is also significant because when Arnold attended college, he was trying to get a business degree, but his friend and fellow golfer was tragically killed in a car accident. Arnie later went back to play golf and try to earn his degree, but he couldn't and regretted it. This business goes to show that you don't need a degree to have a successful business.

THEME
The overall theme of this memoir is: keep your composure, it helps you mentally stay focused and doesn't show weakness to opponents or admirers.