The significance of the plot in Shoeless Joe Jackson Comes to Iowa is the narrator telling of his past. His childhood consisted of his fathers love for the White Socks. Within the plot of the story, the reader hears of both his love for the game of baseball, as well as his fathers. The narrator hears a voice saying "If you build it, he will come."(511) Therefore, he starts work on a remarkable left field, just for Shoeless Joe. He later is asked to finish the field for the rest of the players to come. The history of the narrators fathers love for the game is apparent with his eagerness to finish the field. The love of baseball was passed down to his son. "That was all the instruction I ever received: two announcements and a vision of a baseball field." (512)
P.O.V.
This story is told in first person. With a first hand account of the story, the reader feels engaged in the plot. With this kind of point of view, the reader is able to tell how the narrator is feeling through his actions and word choice. Because this story is written in first person, we as readers get a first hand account on how the narrator feels about the White Socks, and baseball in general. The first person narrative of the story allows the reader to know exactly how the character is feeling and acting. There is no irony in the sense where the reader knows something the characters in the story do not.
CHARACTERIZATION
Shoeless Joe Jackson seems to be the focal point of this story, for, it is all about him. Joe seems to be the epitome of a great baseball player according to the narrators father, Glen. Even after he allegedly threw the World Series game, Glen remained an extremely loyal fan to the White Socks. The narrator is just as big of a fan of the White Socks as his father was. Because of his dedication, he builds a left field, and eventually, an entire field in honor of the great White Socks team of 1919. He is hardworking and never gave up. The building of the field was no easy task. He remained patient in making sure the grass was perfect. Annie, the narrators wife, is extremely supportive in her husbands decision to build the field. "Do it, love" (512) was her advice to him. Thus showing her loving support.
SETTING
The setting of the story is important to show how dedicated the narrator is to the 1919 White Socks. He builds a field for the team. He sees Shoeless Joe in the field. Joe asks the narrator to build more than just the left field he has completed. The narrator agrees. This shows his heart and love and joy in the sport of baseball. His wife is nothing but supportive and encourages him to build the field if that is what makes him happy. "Oh love, if it makes you happy you should do it"(512).
THEME
The theme is related to dedication. "Consider it done" (521) is the narrators response when asked if he will finish the infield. At the time of the request for the completion of the field, only the left field was built. "Three seasons I've spent seeding, watering, fussing, praying, coddling that field like a sick child until it flows parrot-green, cool as mint, soft as moss, lying there like a cashmere blanket" (514). His love of baseball and determination to make the left field absolutely perfect took time, talent, and treasure. In the end, all of his hard work paid off when Shoeless Joe came to play on his field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OUSLyc2GWk
