Hollywood Myth vs. Human Reality in “The Natural”

Who doesn’t love the triumphant finale of the 1984 film “The Natural?”—Robert Redford smashing the stadium lights, beating the mob, and playing catch with his son amid the amber waves of grain. But, shockingly, the original 1952 novel by Bernard Malamud tells a fundamentally different story about ambition, temptation, and the heavy price of a squandered second chance.

By comparing iconic film clips with key passages from Malamud’s text, we will explore the fascinating tension between literature and Hollywood’s appetite for the happy ending. Ultimately, this two-session seminar offers an enduring life lesson in how we frame our own narratives, exploring why we are so deeply drawn to idealized myths, and how embracing the messy, flawed truth of human nature can lead to a deeper appreciation of practical wisdom.

Eric Kimble is a former business executive who, mid-career, answered a call from the “Great Recruiter in the Sky” to return to his high school alma mater to teach English literature and coach baseball. Known for creating engaging seminars with relevant lessons, Eric’s business/teaching background allows him to provide a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of literature and life. Eric spent most of his teaching career at St. John’s Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts; he most recently retired from teaching freshmen, sophomore and senior English Literature at Mount St. Charles Academy in Woonsocket.  He holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in English literature from Brown University. Eric and his wife Nancy recently moved to Rhode Island to be closer to their three grown daughters and enjoy the beauty of the Ocean State.