Max Simply Walked up That Pier, Pulling That Fish Through the Water by Main Force
An Original Painting by Norman Rockwell
22 x 34 Original Oil on Canvas
Published in July 1917 St. Nicholas Magazine.
Ralph Graham's short piece for the July 1917 issue of St. Nicholas, titled "Max Simply Walked up That Pier, Pulling That Fish Through the Water by Main Force," asserts the importance of following the rules, working hard and winning the respect of fellow campers away at summer camp. To demonstrate that this is an at times difficult, yet essential and attainable proposition, Graham tells the stories of five boys-Gigs, Ruggles, Percy, Max, and Dick- who had to overcome obstacles but ultimately, through perseverance, were able to "make good" and become heroes among their peers.
Norman Rockwell's illustration for "Max Simply Walked up That Pier, Pulling That Fish Through the Water by Main Force" accompanies the fourth story about Max, a ten- year-old boy who hated fishing. When Max came to camp, he did not know how to fish and did not care for the activity in any capacity. However, when the camp's resident fishing enthusiast, John, teases and goads Max into throwing out a hook, Max manages to catch the biggest fish of the summer, wins the big-fish medal and discovers a new passion for the sport. In addition, he shares his catch with his tent-mates for a "fine breakfast of fried black-bass" and thus successfully "makes good" at camp. Rockwell's illustration shows an inexperienced but resolute Max towing his trophy towards shore while John looks on in jaw- dropping disbelief.
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