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Chapter 62
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Fever Pitch, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Obsession vs. Fandom
Sports, Identity, and Community
Escapism
Sports and Masculinity
Summary
Analysis
In 1988, Nick starts teaching English to Asian employees at a trading company. He takes his coworkers to Wembley stadium to see England play Holland, but the crowd at the stadium that day is horrible. They call Nick’s coworkers “Wongs” and make monkey noises at a Black player. Nick and his coworkers leave the game halfway through. Nick thinks that bad football teams attract nastier fans, but he also acknowledges that socioeconomics are a factor when it comes to racism at football games.
There are many factors that contribute to the heinous behaviors Nick witnesses at games. As much as football can bring people together, it can also be divisive. The toxic masculinity associated with the sport creates an outlet for aggression. Rivalries and heightened emotions can bring out the worst in fans. Football is not the cause of the race and gender issues rampant in the UK at this time, but it is conducive to offensive outbursts and conflict.
Themes
