Wrapping Up Friday Night Lights

There are many themes to the book. For example, Life isn't always fair, Racism, The ability to analyze and judge yourself and finally, The impact of adults hopes and goals lived vicariously through their children.


Life Isn't Always Fair- The team believes they should have won because of all the hard work and dedication they put into the season. They were hoping they would win so that scouts and recruters would come and offer them spots on NFL teams, but all those dreams were crushed when they lost the semi-final game to Carter High School.


Racism- H.G. Bissinger was shocked when he went to Odessa and discovered how racist the town actually was. It didn't seem possible that people who seemed so devoted to their children and the Football team would act in such a horrible manner. He knew he had to include some of the racism in his book so people would know even the smallest most nperfect looking town has it's flaws.


Ability to analyze and judge yourself- In the book Boobie discovers that he doesn't know anything other than football. That's all he was raised and taught to do. He knows if they don't win the State Championship then his football career/ everything he knows has gone down the drain. He doesn't love football as much as he is portrayed to. With all of the pressure from the coach, town and the rest of the team he feels that the most he could give them would never be enough. In his eyes if they don't win it will all be his fault.   



The impact of adults hopes and goals lived vicariously through their children- Tony Chavez who loves how well his son plays but is more interested in him getting into Harvard. Most of the parents are like Dale McDougal who lives for the wonder of watching her son under the Friday night lights. This reminds me of Kenny Chesney's song "The Boys of Fall" which is about high school football teams and the hardships they overcome and the coach even says "Tonight is your night! Everyone is counting on you! The people in those stands are living vicariously through you! Don't worry about what you are going to do after the game or tomorrow. This is the last game you will ever play on this field, years down the road you will have kids and wish you could come back to this moment and play your hearts out!"  


Kenny Chesney "The Boys of Fall"
         

Odessa's Permian Panthers