The Power of Arms

          In Manning's piece "Arm Wrestling With My Father", the author uses the father's arm to represent strength and nurture passed down to him. The continuous use of synecdoche and symbolism defines Manning's father as a powerful force that teaches Manning mental confidence and parental responsibility. The formidable arm portrayed in the essay evokes both a sense of bitterness and love in Manning, who regards his father as someone who can only communicate  effectively through his body.
          Manning's father is not the only person whose arms manifest hope and strength. Earlier, we read about Joe Louis, an African American boxer. In Maya Angelous's recollection, she reminisces about her friends and family's pride in the athlete's physical abilities. For other African Americans of the time, Joe Louis's strong arms promoted salvation; an end to racial discrimination. In fact, in Detroit, there is a statue of Joe Louis's arm caught mid-punch. This demonstrates that it is common for people to remember admirable figures by their dedication and raw power.
          Therefore, arms are common symbols for memories of intensity. The piece "Arm Wrestling With My Father" recounts Manning's feelings towards his father's efforts of love. Also, the way the author associates his father's arms with the actual person relates to the historical trend--like with Joe Louis--of affiliating power to a part of person, as opposed to his or her entire being.