The Color of Money | Walter Tevis | Cliff Note Books
“The Color of Money” is a novel written by Walter Tevis and published in 1984. It is a sequel to Tevis’ earlier novel, “The Hustler,” and continues the story of the character “Fast” Eddie Felson, a former pool hustler.
The novel picks up twenty years after the events of “The Hustler.” Eddie Felson is now in his fifties and has left the world of professional pool hustling behind. He runs a liquor distribution business in Chicago and lives a relatively quiet life. However, Eddie’s passion for pool is reignited when he meets Vincent Lauria, a young and talented pool player.
Eddie recognizes Vincent’s potential and decides to mentor him. He offers to take Vincent on the road and teach him the tricks of the trade. They embark on a journey together, traveling to various pool halls and gambling establishments, where Eddie imparts his knowledge and experience to Vincent.
As Eddie guides Vincent, he also reflects on his own life and the choices he has made. He confronts his own demons, including his pride, regrets, and the mistakes of his past. Eddie struggles with his desire to see Vincent succeed while also dealing with his own inner conflicts.
Throughout their travels, Eddie and Vincent encounter various pool players, each with their own unique skills and personalities. They face challenges and rivalries, testing their abilities and resolve. Eddie realizes that his experience may no longer be enough to compete with the younger generation of players, and he must come to terms with his own limitations and mortality.
“The Color of Money” explores themes of mentorship, redemption, aging, and the pursuit of excellence. It delves into the world of pool hustling and the psychological complexities of competition. The novel explores the human desire for achievement and the sacrifices one must make to succeed in a highly competitive environment.
Walter Tevis’ writing captures the tension and drama of the pool halls, while delving into the internal struggles and motivations of the characters. “The Color of Money” serves as a character-driven exploration of the game of pool and the personal journeys of its players.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR OF THE COLOR OF MONEY
Walter Tevis was an American novelist and short story writer, born on February 28, 1928, in San Francisco, California. He is best known for his works in the genre of speculative fiction, particularly his novels “The Hustler” and “The Man Who Fell to Earth.”
Tevis grew up in poverty during the Great Depression and was raised by his mother and stepfather. He displayed a passion for reading and writing from an early age and excelled academically. Tevis attended the University of Kentucky, where he studied English literature and creative writing.
After graduating, Tevis served in the United States Navy and later worked as a carpenter, earning a living to support his writing aspirations. His first novel, “The Hustler,” was published in 1959 and garnered critical acclaim. It explored the world of professional pool hustling and introduced the character of “Fast” Eddie Felson, which became a recurring character in Tevis’ works.
Tevis continued to write novels in various genres, including science fiction and sports. In 1963, his science fiction novel “The Man Who Fell to Earth” was published, which later became a cult classic film starring David Bowie. Tevis also wrote “Mockingbird” (1980), a dystopian novel that won the British Science Fiction Association Award.
Despite his success as a writer, Tevis struggled with alcoholism and health issues throughout his life. He battled with the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and eventually died from lung cancer on August 9, 1984, in New York City at the age of 56.
Walter Tevis is remembered for his compelling storytelling, character-driven narratives, and ability to delve into the human condition. His works often explored themes of identity, alienation, addiction, and the pursuit of excellence. Tevis’ novels have continued to resonate with readers and have been adapted into successful films. His contributions to literature have solidified his place as a notable American author.
THEMES OF THE COLOR OF MONEY
Redemption and Second Chances: The novel delves into the theme of redemption, as the main character, Eddie Felson, seeks a second chance at the game of pool and in life. He grapples with his past mistakes and regrets while trying to guide and mentor the young pool player, Vincent Lauria.
The Pursuit of Excellence: “The Color of Money” explores the theme of striving for excellence and the sacrifices one must make to achieve mastery in a competitive field. Eddie Felson and Vincent Lauria both navigate the challenges, rivalries, and pressures of the pool hustling world as they chase greatness.
The Passing of Time: The novel examines the effects of aging and the passage of time. Eddie Felson, now in his fifties, reflects on his youth, the choices he made, and the changes in the world of pool. The theme of aging raises questions about mortality, legacy, and coming to terms with one’s limitations.
Identity and Self-Reflection: The characters in the novel grapple with questions of identity and self-discovery. Eddie Felson confronts his own sense of self-worth, pride, and the masks he wears. Vincent Lauria seeks to define his identity as a pool player and as an individual.
Mentorship and Legacy: The novel explores the dynamics of mentorship and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Eddie Felson takes on the role of mentor to Vincent, guiding him in the world of pool and sharing his wisdom and experience.
Addiction and Compulsion: “The Color of Money” touches on the theme of addiction and the destructive nature of compulsive behaviors. Eddie Felson struggles with his passion for pool, which has often led to self-destructive tendencies and strained relationships.
Conformity and Individuality: The novel examines the tension between conformity and individuality. Eddie Felson and Vincent Lauria navigate a world that demands conformity to certain norms and expectations, while also seeking to express their individuality and unique styles of play.
DISCUSSION POINTS WHEN STUDYING THE COLOR OF MONEY
Character Analysis: Explore the development of the main characters, such as Eddie Felson and Vincent Lauria. Discuss their motivations, conflicts, and growth throughout the story. Analyze the choices they make and the impact on their personal journeys.
Themes and Symbolism: Dive into the various themes and symbolism employed in the novel. Discuss how redemption, the pursuit of excellence, mentorship, or other themes manifest throughout the story. Analyze the symbolic significance of objects or events, such as the color of money or the game of pool.
The Nature of Competition: Examine the portrayal of competition in the novel. Discuss the psychological, emotional, and ethical aspects of competition as portrayed through the characters’ interactions. Reflect on the different approaches to competition and the consequences of intense rivalry.
The Impact of Past Choices: Reflect on how the characters’ past choices shape their present lives. Discuss the effects of regret, missed opportunities, or the desire for redemption. Explore how characters deal with their past mistakes and seek personal growth.
The Significance of Mentorship: Discuss the role of mentorship in the novel. Explore the dynamics between mentors and protégés, such as Eddie Felson guiding Vincent Lauria. Analyze the impact of mentorship on personal growth, skill development, and the passing of wisdom.
Social Commentary: Investigate the social commentary embedded in the story. Examine the portrayal of the pool hustling world and its impact on individuals. Discuss the themes of class, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream as depicted in the novel.
Style and Narrative Choices: Analyze the writing style, narrative structure, and pacing of the novel. Discuss the use of dialogue, descriptive language, or other literary techniques employed by the author. Consider how these choices contribute to the overall themes and impact of the story.
Adaptation and Film Interpretation: If relevant, discuss the film adaptation of “The Color of Money” directed by Martin Scorsese. Explore the similarities and differences between the book and the film, and consider how the visual medium enhances or alters the storytelling.