Related Characters in David and Goliath
The Underdogs and Giants
In "David and Goliath," Malcolm Gladwell weaves together various character relationships that illustrate his central thesis about advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore some of the most significant character pairings and their symbolic relationships.
David and Goliath
The titular characters establish the book's fundamental framework:
"Goliath was a giant. David was a shepherd... The battle was supposed to be between two warriors... Instead, it was between a shepherd and a warrior, and the shepherd won."Note
This pairing serves as the archetypal example of how perceived advantages can become disadvantages, and vice versa.
Lawrence and the Turks
T.E. Lawrence's story presents another fascinating character relationship:
"Lawrence of Arabia was supposed to help the British army fight the Turks in a conventional battle... Instead, he led a guerrilla war - launching raid after raid on the Turkish railway lines."Tip
Notice how Lawrence, like David, succeeds by refusing to play by the established rules of engagement.
Vivek Ranadivé and the Basketball Giants
The relationship between Ranadivé's basketball team and their opponents mirrors the David-Goliath dynamic:
"Ranadivé's basketball team was made up of twelve-year-old girls... They were facing teams with far more talented players... But they won their local championship."
The Dyslexics and Their Challenges
David Boies and Traditional Education
Gladwell presents the relationship between Boies and the educational system:
"David Boies couldn't read properly until the third grade... Today he is considered one of the most formidable trial lawyers in the world."Common Mistake
Many readers mistakenly view these relationships as simple underdog stories, when they're actually about the complex interplay between advantages and disadvantages.
