Essay
by Jodi McKay
9C
Part A - Explanatory Paragraph
The scene where Jamal takes Forrester to the empty baseball field is a pivotal point in their relationship and the movie. While researching Forrester, Jamal knew the baseball field was very important to him. Forrester confides in Jamal that he and his brother went to every baseball game until his brother went to war. One night, after an evening of drinking, he allowed his brother to drive home and he was killed in a car crash. He said after that everything changed for them and within five months he buried his mom, dad and brother.
Jamal turned to him and said “the rest of those who have gone before us cannot …show more content…
Their relationship starts off uneasy after Jamal breaks into Forrester’s home. As the story progresses the two become friends, but it is more than just friends – it is about slowly learning about each other, the respect that is built for each other, their love of writing and the loyalty to each other that develops. How did two such different people come together and form such a tight bond and friendship?
Two very different people - one common passion. Is this enough to build a friendship on? Jamal comes from a very different world than Forrester. The opening of the movie shows what life was like for Jamal growing up in a poor black neighbourhood, in a single-parent home. For Forrester, he is a recluse, who retreated from life after publishing his book Avalon Landing and losing his family. After a dare from his friends, Jamal breaks into Forrester’s house, leaving his backpack containing his journals. When his backpack is returned, he finds his journals have been edited. Jamal finds the courage to knock on Forrester’s door and asks for help with his writing. After Jamal completes his 5000-word essay on why he should stay out of Forrester’s home, the bond of friendship take hold. Through their mutual interest and as they worked on Jamal writing, they get to know each other and their friendship grows. As the friendship grows, so does the trust and respect for each other. True friendship is based on respect, trust, loyalty and the ability to accept someone for who they are – no matter