Introduction

CUPID VS. POLLUX. First published in the Yellow Jacket volume XIII number 20, Howard Payne College on February 10, 1927. 

The story humorously explores themes of love’s distraction, the pride of athletes, and the fickleness of infatuation, all set against the backdrop of collegiate sportsmanship and boxing.

Summary

The story “Cupid vs. Pollux” is a humorous tale set around a college boxing tournament. The narrator, Steve, is frustrated to find his friend Spike, a massive and unromantic figure, suddenly smitten with love, neglecting his training for an important fight. Spike, typically nonchalant about boxing, decides to participate in the tournament only because the girl he admires will be watching, believing that women love physical strength combined with manly beauty.

Steve, who has been managing Spike and trying to get him in shape, is infuriated by Spike’s distraction but is relieved when Spike decides to fight. As the tournament progresses, the college’s fortunes are mixed until it’s time for the heavyweight event, which Spike is participating in.

Spike’s opponent is Monk Gallranan, a brute from Burke’s University, comparable in size and strength to Spike. The bout is anticipated due to Spike’s newfound motivation to impress his lady love. The fight is a display of raw power and little technique, and Spike nearly wins with his superior infighting, taught by Steve. However, in the last round, just as Spike is about to address his sweetheart after apparently securing victory, Monk gets up and knocks Spike out with a surprise punch.

After the loss, Spike dismissively declares that he is done with girls, indicating that he’s learned his lesson. Steve philosophically remarks that this revelation alone makes the knockout worthwhile.

Characters

  • Steve Costigan – The narrator of the story and manager of the boxing entries from their college for the intercollegiate boxing tournament. He is also Spike’s friend and attempts to prepare him for the competition.
  • Spike Moran – The main character, a large and usually unromantic boxer who becomes infatuated with a girl and decides to participate in the boxing tournament to impress her. He is ultimately knocked out due to his own overconfidence and distraction by love.
  • Tarantula Soons – A fellow student at the fraternity house who directs Steve to Spike’s location.
  • Monk Gallranan – Spike’s opponent from Burke’s University, equally as large and strong as Spike, who wins the boxing match with a surprise punch.
  • Spike’s Girl – The unnamed girl who captures Spike’s affection and is the reason for his temporary shift in focus from boxing to romance. Her presence at the match is significant to Spike, although it leads to his downfall in the bout.

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