SpunkyNotes

Q. How does the poem ‘Why We Play Basketball’ by Sherman Alexie critically examine the themes of love, teamwork, personal growth, and the search for meaning in life within the context of the game?

Why We Play Basketball

Part- 1
In December snow
covered the court. We
wrapped our hands in old
socks, soaked the white snow
with kerosene, lit

the match, and melted it
all down to pavement.
We were Indians
who wanted to play
basketball. Nothing

could stop us from that,
not the hunger in
our thin bellies, not
the fear of missed shots,
not the threat of white

snow. We were small boys
who would grow up into
small men. We played ball
until dark, then played
until we could see

neither hoop nor ball.
We played until our
mothers and fathers
came searching for us
and carried us home.

Line by Line Analysis of the Poem Why We Play Basketball by Sherman Alexie

In December snow
covered the court.

The opening line sets the stage with powerful visual imagery. The mention of December snow immediately creates a sense of coldness and inaccessibility. The basketball court is generally associated with play and vitality. This image not only establishes the physical setting but also represents the obstacles the characters must overcome in their pursuit of playing basketball.

We
wrapped our hands in old
socks,

This demonstrates the characters’ resourcefulness and resilience. Wrapping their hands in old socks instead of gloves indicates their disadvantaged socio-economic status. Yet they make do with what they have, further highlighting their determination.

soaked the white snow
with kerosene, lit

the match, and melted it
all down to pavement.

The lines illustrate the lengths they go to engage in their beloved sport. By burning the snow with kerosene, they remove the barrier (snow) that prevents them from playing basketball.

This act can be read as a metaphor for resistance and struggle against the odds, a common theme in many Indigenous narratives. Their desire to play basketball is so strong that they’re willing to alter their environment and defy the natural order (i.e., the winter season) to do so.

These lines also contrast the cold snow and the warm, fiery kerosene, symbolizing the clash between their harsh circumstances and their heated passion for the game. This, coupled with the tactile imagery of the cold snow and the warm fire, immerses readers in the visceral experience of the characters.

The fact that they melt the snow “all down to pavement” indicates a complete transformation of the space from an unusable, snow-covered court to a ready-to-play basketball court, further emphasizing their perseverance and agency.

We were Indians
who wanted to play
basketball.

Sherman Alexie explicitly identifies the characters as Native Americans. This direct statement of identity is significant because it establishes the socio-cultural context of the poem.

This statement also underscores the importance of representation, as Alexie gives voice to a community often underrepresented in literature.

The phrase “who wanted to play / basketball” indicates their aspirations. The verb “wanted” suggests a strong desire, an intense longing, which indicates their passion for the game.

In this context, basketball is more than just a sport; it could be seen as a form of self-expression, a vehicle for camaraderie and communal identity, or even an escape from their realities.

Nothing

could stop us from that,

This declaration of resilience highlights the characters’ determination and tenacity. It implies that they are willing to confront and overcome whatever obstacles they encounter in their pursuit of playing basketball. The word “nothing” is absolute, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise, underscoring their commitment and resolve.

This line also creates tension between their circumstances (as suggested by the snow-covered court and their socio-economic status) and their unstoppable determination, creating a powerful narrative of struggle and resistance.

not the hunger in
our thin bellies

The mention of “hunger” and “thin bellies” alludes to the socio-economic hardships they are likely experiencing. This phrase implies a lack of sufficient food, which is a  reality for many marginalized and impoverished communities.

The physical hunger also symbolizes a broader hunger for opportunities and a better life, which they seek to fulfill through their passion for basketball.

not
the fear of missed shots,

This line speaks to the emotional and psychological aspects of their struggle. The “fear of missed shots” can be interpreted literally as anxiety about failing in the game, but it also serves as a metaphor for the broader fear of failure in life. Despite this fear, they continue to play, demonstrating their courage and tenacity.

not the threat of white
snow.

The return to the image of the snow-covered court underlines the environmental challenges they face. The word “threat” personifies the snow, turning it into an antagonist that they must overcome to play their beloved game. This phrase also signifies the broader socio-environmental obstacles they confront in their lives.

We were small boys
who would grow up into
small men.

In these lines, Alexie reflects on the reality of the characters’ growth from boys into men within the confines of their socio-cultural context. The repetition of “small” underscores their marginalized status in society. The transition from “small boys” to “small men” implies a process of maturation that is limited by their circumstances.

It suggests that their growth does not lead to the expansion of opportunities or betterment of their situation. This could be a commentary on the societal limitations and expectations imposed upon these young Native Americans.

We played ball
until dark, then played
until we could see

neither hoop nor ball.

This passage emphasizes the characters’ unwavering dedication to the game of basketball. Despite the darkness that renders the hoop and ball invisible, they continue to play. 

Hoop is the circular ring through which players attempt to throw the ball to score points. The hoop is typically mounted to a backboard and 10 feet (3.05 meters) above the ground.

This is a metaphor for their determination to continue striving in the face of adversity, even when their goals (“the hoop”) or the means to reach them (“the ball”) are not clearly visible.

The darkness could also symbolize the uncertainty or harshness of their future (“growing up into small men”), yet they persist in their game, showing their resilience and tenacity. The idea of playing beyond visibility, beyond the point where it would be logical to stop, indicates their passion for the game and their refusal to be limited by their circumstances.

We played until our
mothers and fathers
came searching for us

These lines from Sherman Alexie’s “Why We Play Basketball” further illustrate the depth of the characters’ passion for basketball and also reveal the role of their parents or guardians.

These lines depict how engrossed the boys are in their game. They lose track of time, playing until their parents have to find them.

and carried us home.

This line introduces the poem’s tender, caring aspect. The parents gently take their children home despite possibly being worried. This could symbolize the protective and nurturing role of the parents, who provide their children a safe haven (“home”) amidst their hardships.

These lines also hint at a complex relationship between the children and their parents. On the one hand, the parents might disapprove of their children’s preoccupation with the game, which could be seen as a distraction from more practical matters.

On the other hand, by carrying them home, the parents demonstrate their love and care, acknowledging the boys’ passion and allowing them to pursue it.

Part – 2
We play because we
remember the first
time we shot the ball
and knew, beyond doubt,
as it floated toward

the hoop, that it was
going to be good.
We walked off the court,
left the ball waiting
as we fell in love

with Indian girls
who grew past us, who
grew into Indian
women. Somehow, we
grew families while

that ball waited, inert
suspended, till
we remembered, with
a complex rush of
pain and joy, what we’d

left behind, how we
loved the ball as it
finally dropped into
the net, after
years of such patience.

Line by Line Analysis of the Poem Why We Play Basketball by Sherman Alexie

We play because we
remember the first
time we shot the ball

Remembering the first time they shot the ball motivates the characters to continue playing. It suggests a fondness and nostalgia for the beginning of their basketball journey, an experience so powerful that it has left an indelible mark.

and knew, beyond doubt,
as it floated toward

the hoop, that it was
going to be good.

These lines from Why We Play Basketball express a deep sense of certainty and confidence. Even as the ball was still in the air, they believed the shot would be ” good.”

This could also metaphorically represent the characters’ positive and hopeful outlook during the early stages of their journey.

We walked off the court,
left the ball waiting

The phrase “walked off the court, / left the ball waiting” symbolizes a transition in focus from basketball to a different aspect of life – romantic relationships. The ball, representing the game of basketball, is left “waiting,” implying a temporary disengagement from the sport as the characters navigate their feelings and relationships.

as we fell in love

with Indian girls

These lines suggest the emergence of romantic feelings and relationships as part of their growing up. The specific reference to “Indian girls” reinforces the cultural and community context within which these relationships occur.

It adds another layer to their shared experiences and emphasizes the importance of these relationships in their personal and communal development.

who grew past us, who
grew into Indian
Women.

The phrase “grew past us” could indicate the women’s emotional, intellectual, or experiential growth, which may have occurred faster than the boys’ development.

These lines suggest that the game of basketball isn’t just about sport for the characters; it’s intertwined with their lives, their growth, and their experiences of love and maturity. It shows how their engagement with the game is influenced by and reflects their journeys.

Somehow, we
grew families while

The word “Somehow” immediately suggests that building families occurred amidst challenges or against the odds. It suggests a sense of struggle or difficulty. It indicates that this growth and development may not have been straightforward, which is often the case in real life.

that ball waited, inert
suspended,

The imagery serves as a poignant symbol for the game of basketball that remains a constant in their lives, despite the changes and responsibilities that come with time. The ball here represents their youthful passions, aspirations, and dreams.

“Inert / suspended” signifies that while they have stepped away from the game to navigate other facets of life, the sport still holds a place in their hearts and minds. It’s as if the game is patiently waiting for their return, underscoring its enduring significance.

This juxtaposition between life’s responsibilities (“grew families”) and the lasting passion for the game (“that ball waited”) reflects the tension that individuals often experience between personal desires and external obligations.

till
we remembered,

The phrase “we remembered” denotes the act of recollection of mentally revisiting past experiences. This is not a passive act but an active engagement with memories that can evoke intense emotions.

with
a complex rush of
pain and joy,

It describes the emotional landscape that these memories trigger. The “pain” could refer to regret, loss, or longing. It is associated with what was left behind, possibly their youthful days, the freedom, the intense moments of play, and perhaps even the dreams and aspirations they had.

The “joy,” on the other hand, likely stems from the fond memories of playing basketball, the camaraderie, the victories, the sense of belonging, and the pure love for the game.

what we’d

left behind, 

The phrase “what we’d / left behind” again emphasizes the passage of time and life’s inevitable changes. This could refer to not just their basketball playing days but also their youth. Their previous lifestyle and their earlier selves.

These lines indicate that memory is a powerful force capable of evoking a rich tapestry of emotions.

how we
loved the ball 

This communicates the speaker’s deep attachment to basketball. The ball here could be a metaphor for the game itself or perhaps for the dreams, aspirations, and passion they had for the sport.

The imagery of the ball finally dropping into the net represents a moment of success or achievement. It could symbolize a long-awaited goal, the fulfillment of a dream, or the attainment of a significant milestone.

This could be a literal reference to scoring a point in a game or a metaphorical reference to overcoming a challenge or reaching a goal in life.

as it
finally dropped into
the net, after
years of such patience.

The reference to “years of such patience” underscores the notion that this success or achievement didn’t come easily or quickly. It required persistence, resilience, and patience.

Part- 3 
We wanted to know
who was best, who could
change the game into
something new. We knew
about Seymour. Blind

and deaf, he played by
sense of smell. Leather
balls drove him crazy.
He identified
his teammates by tribe:

Spokanes smelled like bread:
Flatheads smelled like pine;
Colville smelled like snow;
Lester smelled like wine.
Seymour shot the ball

when the wind told him
it was time to shoot.
In basketball, we
find enough reasons
to believe in God,

or something smaller
than God. We believe
in Seymour, who holds
the ball in his hands
like you hold your God.

Line by Line Analysis of the Poem Why We Play Basketball by Sherman Alexie

We wanted to know
who was best, who could
change the game into
something new. 

The speaker begins with a communal “we,” indicating a shared desire among a group of people. The lines express the competitive nature of basketball, a game in which players constantly strive to outperform each other. 

It suggests a desire for innovation, for someone who can bring a fresh perspective or a unique strategy to the game, thereby transforming it.

We knew
about Seymour. Blind

and deaf, he played by
sense of smell.

These lines introduce us to Seymour, a blind and deaf individual who plays basketball. Despite his physical limitations, Seymour is known and recognized within this community.

His unique method of play, using his sense of smell, not only allows him to participate in the game but also makes him stand out. His presence expands the boundaries of what is considered possible in the game.

The use of the sense of smell, as opposed to the more conventional reliance on sight and sound in basketball, is a testament to human adaptability and resilience.

Leather
balls drove him crazy.

This sentence is quite evocative. The smell of the leather basketballs excites Seymour and drives him to a state of heightened enthusiasm or passion. It could be interpreted as Seymour’s deep love for the game, an obsession even symbolized by the smell of the leather basketballs.

He identified
his teammates by tribe:

Spokanes smelled like bread:
Flatheads smelled like pine;
Colville smelled like snow;
Lester smelled like wine.

Despite his lack of sight and hearing, Seymour uses his other senses to understand his surroundings and distinguish between individuals.

Each tribe is associated with a specific scent, which Seymour uses to identify his teammates.

The Spokanes are linked to the smell of bread, perhaps suggesting a sense of comfort, sustenance, or domesticity.

The Flatheads are associated with the smell of pine, evoking images of forests and nature.

The Colville tribe is tied to the smell of snow, which might suggest a sense of cold, purity, or tranquility.

Lester is associated with the smell of wine, which could imply sophistication, indulgence, or a celebratory spirit.

Seymour shot the ball

when the wind told him
it was time to shoot.

The speaker describes Seymour’s reliance on environmental cues, specifically the wind, to guide his actions in the game. This suggests an attunement to the natural world and a sense of intuition transcending traditional ways of perceiving the game.

In basketball, we
find enough reasons
to believe in God,

or something smaller
than God. 

The speaker asserts that through basketball, they find reasons to believe in a higher power or something lesser but still significant.

We believe
in Seymour, who holds
the ball in his hands
like you hold your God.

The speaker expresses his belief in Seymour, comparing how he holds the basketball to how one might hold their deity.

This metaphor conveys a sense of reverence for Seymour’s skill and resilience and equates the importance of the game in their lives to the role of a god.

Part – 4
It is just a game
those tell us
who cannot play it
unless it is play.
For us, it is war,

often desperate
and without reason.
We throw our body
against another
body. We learn to

hate each other, hate
the ball, hate the hoop,
hate the fallen snow,
hate our clumsy hands,
hate our thirsty mouths

when we drink from
the fountain. We hate
our fathers. We hate
our mothers. We hate
the face in our mirror.

We play basketball
because we want to
separate love from
hate, and because we
know how to keep score.

Line by Line Analysis of the Poem Why We Play Basketball by Sherman Alexie

It is just a game
we are told by those
who cannot play it
unless it is play.

The opening line sets up a contrast between different perspectives on basketball. The phrase “just a game” belittles the experience of playing basketball, reducing it to a frivolous or non-serious activity.

This perspective is attributed to “those who cannot play it unless it is play,” presumably individuals who do not engage with the sport on a deeper level or who lack understanding of the passion, dedication, and struggle involved in it.

The repetition of the word “play” in two different contexts here highlights the gap between these perspectives. In the first usage, “play” implies a casual, leisurely activity without deeper meaning or intensity.

In the second, “play” refers to participating in basketball, suggesting the possibility of a more involved, intense, or serious form of engagement.

For us, it is war,

This signifies the seriousness, the struggle, the competition, and the emotional investment players pour into the game. This metaphor elevates the experience of playing basketball from a simple game to a battle.

The use of “us” versus “those” sets up a dichotomy between the speaker (and presumably other like-minded players) and the outsiders who view the game casually.

often desperate
and without reason.
We throw our body
against another
body.

The word “desperate” implies that a strong desire drives the players or need, perhaps to win, prove themselves, or escape from something. It highlights the emotional depth and intensity that the game can provoke in its participants.

The line ‘and without reason’ implies that intense engagement in the game can sometimes be irrational.

The phrase “throw our body” suggests a degree of abandonment, reinforcing the idea of desperation and irrationality mentioned in the previous lines. It indicates a total commitment to the game and a willingness to engage fully, physically, and emotionally.

We learn to

hate each other, hate
the ball, hate the hoop,
hate the fallen snow,
hate our clumsy hands,
hate our thirsty mouths

Like many sports, basketball is competitive, leading to tension or animosity between players. This line could reflect the negative emotions arising from competition or conflict in the game and, potentially, in relationships or society.

The mention of “the fallen snow” introduces a natural element to the objects of hatred. It might symbolize external conditions or circumstances that are beyond the players’ control, causing frustration or hindrance.

Finally, the hatred extends to the players’ bodies. “Clumsy hands” could express frustration with one’s perceived inadequacies or failures, while “thirsty mouths” could symbolize unmet needs or desires. This self-directed negativity suggests a deep self-criticism or dissatisfaction, hinting at broader themes of self-image and self-worth.

when we drink from
the fountain. We hate
our fathers. We hate
our mothers. 

This suggests a moment of pause, of quenching thirst, perhaps between intense play periods. The fountain could symbolize a source of relief. Still, in the context of the repeated expression of hate in the following lines, it might also represent a brief respite from the emotional turmoil.

These lines express a deep resentment towards the players’ parents. This could suggest unresolved familial issues, societal pressures, or internal struggles that the game brings to the surface.

We hate
the face in our mirror.

This line reveals self-directed negativity, indicating a struggle with self-image or self-esteem. The mirror reflects the players’ physical selves, but it can also be a metaphor for self-perception or self-awareness. The hatred towards “the face in our mirror” suggests a dissatisfaction or conflict with one’s identity or self-concept.

We play basketball
because we want to
separate love from
hate, 

The speaker implies that the game is a platform to differentiate between the emotions of love and hate. This could mean various things: perhaps playing the game allows the players to channel their negative emotions (hate) in a healthy way, preserving their positive emotions (love) for other aspects of their lives. 

It also signifies the players’ desire to understand and classify their emotions, to see clearly what they love and hate.

and because we
know how to keep score.

The notion of keeping score is a clear reference to the rules and structure of the game. It can also act as a life metaphor. Individuals often measure life by successes, failures, rights, wrongs, rewards, and punishments.

The ability to keep score might signify the ability to discern, make judgments, or navigate the complexities of life. It also hints at a desire for control, order amidst chaos, or tangible markers of progress or achievement.

Part- 5
We play basketball
because we still love
the place where we lived.
It was a small house
with one door. We lived

Line by Line Analysis of the Poem Why We Play Basketball by Sherman Alexie

We play basketball
because we still love

The simple assertion that “we play basketball” speaks to a communal activity, a shared experience. It suggests that the game is a collective endeavor involving a community or group.

The word “still” implies a long-standing affection, indicating that their love for the place has withstood the test of time. This could hint at a sense of nostalgia, a longing for a past time or place that the game helps them to remember or recapture.

the place where we lived.

Finally, the object of their love is revealed. This phrase is vague yet intimate. It doesn’t specify a location, but the use of “we” and “lived” implies a shared history and a sense of belonging.

It suggests a deep connection to this place and positions it as a significant part of their identity. The place they live becomes a symbol of their past, their roots, their community, or their sense of self.

It was a small house
with one door.

The description of the house as small and with one door gives a sense of its modesty and simplicity. The one door might symbolize both the limited access to the outside world and the close-knit nature of the family within.

The fact that they lived there for twenty years speaks to the constancy and stability of this environment, suggesting that it was a significant and enduring part of the speaker’s life.

We lived

there for twenty years
with crazy cousins

The mention of living with “crazy cousins” for two decades adds a layer of lively family dynamics to the picture. The term is often used in a colloquial, affectionate way to describe family members who are energetic, eccentric, or endearingly chaotic.

This suggests a bustling, vibrant home environment full of interaction and shared experiences.

and one basketball.

The reference to “one basketball” that they shared introduces the central theme of the poem. This object, likely a source of both competition and camaraderie, serves as a symbol for the game that is a significant part of the speaker’s identity.

It suggests that basketball was not only a common interest but also an important part of their shared lives and relationships within this small house.

We fought over it
constantly.

The speaker begins by recounting how they constantly fought over the basketball. This suggests that the game was a source of both conflict and engagement, mirroring the competitive nature of the sport itself.

I climbed

into a tall tree
with the ball, refused
to come down unless
they made me captain.

The speaker then shares a particular memory of climbing a tree with the ball and refusing to come down unless he was made captain.

This rebellion and assertion of authority reveal the speaker’s desire for leadership and recognition within the group. It also shows their strong will and clever planning, using the much-desired basketball to get what they want.

My brother dragged me

from the tree and punched
me so hard I saw
red horses.

This vivid and dramatic imagery depicts the physical confrontation that followed the speaker’s defiance. The physicality of the struggle is intense, and the metaphor of seeing “red horses” after the punch lends a surreal, dreamlike quality to the scene.

“Red horses” could symbolize various things—perhaps pain, danger, or a hallucinatory state caused by the punch.

We play
because we believe
in our skin and hands.

Here, the speaker articulates a belief in their physical bodies – their skin and hands – suggesting a sense of self-assurance and competence. This belief could be interpreted as a trust in their ability to control their actions and to impact their surroundings, both in the game of basketball and in life.

These hands hold the ball.
These hands hold the tribe.
These hands build fires.

These lines emphasize the multifaceted roles and responsibilities that the speaker’s hands—and, by extension, the speaker—carry. Holding the ball signifies the players’ skill and control in the game; holding the tribe symbolizes unity, responsibility, and communal identity; and building fires represents survival, creativity, and perhaps also the spark of spirit or passion that drives the players.

We are a small tribe.
We build small fires.

Finally, the speaker identifies themselves as part of a “small tribe” and states that they build “small fires.” The phrase “small tribe” might suggest a tight-knit, intimate group where each member is significant.

The “small fires” they build could symbolize their shared endeavors, struggles, and achievements—in the game, in their community, and in life.