The Hustler | Walter Tevis | Cliff Note Books
“The Hustler” is a novel written by Walter Tevis and published in 1959. It tells the story of “Fast” Eddie Felson, a young and talented pool player who seeks to prove his skill and make a name for himself in the world of professional pool hustling.
The novel follows Eddie Felson’s journey as he navigates the underground pool halls and gambling scene, facing both triumphs and challenges along the way. Fueled by ambition and a desire to be recognized as the best, Eddie encounters various opponents, each with their own unique playing style and motivations.
Throughout the story, Eddie grapples with personal demons, including his pride, insecurities, and a troubled relationship with alcohol. He forms relationships with other hustlers, such as the experienced and mysterious Bert Gordon, who becomes both a mentor and a rival to Eddie.
As Eddie faces professional and personal setbacks, he must confront his own limitations, inner conflicts, and the price of his ambitions. The novel delves into themes of identity, redemption, the pursuit of excellence, and the sacrifices one must make to achieve success in a competitive environment.
“The Hustler” is a character-driven novel that explores the psychological and emotional aspects of the game of pool and the lives of those immersed in the hustling subculture. It captures the tension, drama, and high-stakes nature of the pool halls, while delving into the inner workings of the characters and their motivations.
The novel was adapted into a highly acclaimed film in 1961, directed by Robert Rossen and starring Paul Newman as Eddie Felson. The film received critical acclaim and further popularized the story and characters.
Overall, “The Hustler” is a captivating exploration of ambition, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by those driven to succeed in a world where skill and strategy can determine one’s fate.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR OF THE HUSTLER WALTER TEVIS
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.
QUOTES FROM THE HUSTLER
“You could argue that the only reason for playing a game is to win. In that sense, a game is a test of character. But if you have character, why bother to prove it in a game?” – Eddie Felson
“You’re born alone, you die alone. It’s what you do in between that matters.” – Bert Gordon
“There’s more to life than pool, you know.” – Sarah Packard
“Every time I’m out there, I’m trying to do better than I ever done before.” – Eddie Felson
“If you got talent, stick with it… because talent wins out, sooner or later.” – Eddie Felson
“A good pool player is a poet, a great pool player is an artist.” – Bert Gordon
“When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose.” – Eddie Felson
“Everybody’s got to die sometime, Red.” – Eddie Felson
“You have talent. You have an obligation to yourself.” – Sarah Packard
“Pool excellence is not about excellent pool. Excellence is about a state of mind.” – Bert Gordon
THEMES OF THE HUSTLER
Ambition and Achievement: The novel delves into the theme of ambition and the desire to achieve greatness. Eddie Felson’s pursuit of becoming the best pool player drives the narrative, highlighting the sacrifices, determination, and risks involved in pursuing one’s goals.
Identity and Self-Discovery: The book explores the theme of identity as Eddie Felson grapples with his own sense of self-worth, pride, and the masks he wears. Through his journey, he confronts his own flaws, fears, and insecurities, ultimately leading to self-discovery.
The Power of Skill and Strategy: The story emphasizes the significance of skill and strategy in the game of pool. It examines the intricate techniques, psychological aspects, and mental fortitude required to excel in the game and gain an advantage over opponents.
Redemption and Personal Growth: The theme of redemption is prominent throughout the novel, as Eddie Felson seeks to redeem himself both personally and professionally. His journey involves confronting past mistakes, overcoming obstacles, and evolving as an individual.
The Price of Success: The book explores the costs and consequences associated with success. It delves into the sacrifices one must make, the compromises involved, and the potential loss of personal relationships and integrity that can come with the pursuit of fame and recognition.
Mentorship and Rivalry: The novel examines the dynamics of mentorship and rivalry. Eddie Felson’s relationship with Bert Gordon serves as both a source of guidance and a catalyst for competition, showcasing the influence and impact that experienced individuals can have on one’s journey.
Human Flaws and Vulnerabilities: “The Hustler” delves into the flawed nature of its characters, showcasing their vulnerabilities, struggles with addiction, and internal conflicts. It explores the complexities of human nature and the impact of personal demons on individuals’ pursuit of success.
The Price of Intimacy: The novel touches upon the challenges of forming and maintaining intimate relationships within the context of a competitive and sometimes ruthless world. It explores the potential sacrifices and compromises individuals must make when pursuing their ambitions.
DISCUSSION POINTS WHEN STUDYING THE HUSTLER
Character Analysis: Explore the complexities of the main characters, such as Eddie Felson, Bert Gordon, and Sarah Packard. Discuss their motivations, internal conflicts, and character development throughout the story.
Psychological Dynamics: Analyze the psychological aspects of the characters’ actions and motivations. Discuss the influence of pride, insecurity, ambition, and addiction on their choices and relationships.
The Game of Pool as a Metaphor: Examine the symbolism and deeper meanings associated with the game of pool in the novel. Discuss how the game represents personal challenges, the pursuit of excellence, and the dynamics of power and control.
Morality and Ethics: Explore the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Discuss their choices, the ethical implications of their actions, and the impact on their personal growth and relationships.
Gender Dynamics: Examine the portrayal of gender in the novel. Discuss the roles of female characters like Sarah Packard and their influence on the narrative. Analyze the gender dynamics within the world of pool hustling.
Social and Historical Context: Consider the social and historical context in which the story takes place. Discuss how the setting of the pool halls, the gambling subculture, and the time period contribute to the characters’ experiences and the overall themes of the novel.
Motivation and Ambition: Explore the driving forces behind the characters’ ambitions and desires for success. Discuss the impact of external pressures, societal expectations, and personal motivations on their choices and actions.
Redemption and Personal Growth: Reflect on the theme of redemption and personal growth in the novel. Discuss how the characters grapple with their past mistakes, seek redemption, and undergo transformations as they confront their inner demons.
Film Adaptation: If relevant, compare and contrast the novel with the 1961 film adaptation directed by Robert Rossen. Discuss the choices made in the adaptation process and how they affect the portrayal of the characters and themes.