Bernard Malamud's, The Natural is based upon a mixture of Greek tragedy and myth-making which act as vehicles for portraying the concept of the hero in America. First we need to look at the requirements for being a hero according to the Greek tradition: The first is to be born into a high class of blood. The second is to be tragically flawed. The third is to move from a state of ignorance, to one of knowledge, and the fourth is to be blessed by the Gods. .
Through this story the hero (Roy) is representative of the collective American hero as he fulfills all these requirements. At the time when this took place the farm life was considered to be a respectable position in life. Its moral values were the best, and most farmers were considered good people. In affect Roy grew up in the traditional hard working American family. Roy's flaw is greed and a dangerous lust for fame and recognition, and this is what ultimately brings him down. Not only does he treat women as sex objects placed on earth for his pleasure, but he ended up being wounded by Harriet because of his strong desire to be the best. Also, in the beginning of the story, Roy's ignorance is obvious. He opens his mouth too much about his dream and is victimized because of this, but gradually he learns to be more careful and becomes knowledgeable. The final stage is seen at the end when Roy is playing baseball with his son, because he realizes that he must pass on the knowledge he possesses to the next generation. This knowledge is in effect his gift to the world. .
Malamud demonstrates through his story that the hero in America comes from a high place, encultured with morality and integrity, and is not perfect. In fact he is tragically flawed in some way. Greed and desire for fame tend to be the major downfalls for the hero in America. He also shows that the hero is ignorant, but by a process of failing and learning, his knowledge base grows.
