Symbolism In Dodgeball

Analytical Paper

In Rawson Marshall Thurber’s Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Peter LaFleur attempts to save his gym. For the time being, Peter is just another man in society. He is nothing special. He does not drive a nice car or live in a nice house. This is shown through his gym, coincidentally named “Average Joe’s Gym.” This gym represents the way Peter lives his life. When the film starts out he says that he always aims low. That way he is never disappointed. While true, he has never had any real success in his life. However, this is all about to change. What Peter does not know is that he is about to come into one of the most important battles in his life, symbolic of the greatest battle of all time; the battle between Christ and Satan. Peter, the hero in this film, is about to go up against White Goodman, the owner of a competing gym. From the start, it does not look like he can win. However, he does win, with the help of Christ figure Patches O’Houlihan. This film is an obvious representation of the Christ story, while emphasizing the theme that good will triumph over evil.

White Goodman can be seen as the threshold monster, as well as a satanic figure. This can been seen in his name. White represents the bond
The Lord says, “Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18). This is exactly what Peter LaFleur does in Dodgeball. After Patches dies, he continues on his mission. As Christ works through Peter in the Bible, Patches continues to work through Peter LaFleur. This is especially seen during the final dodgeball match, which will be talked about later. Peter’s role is to carry on Patches’ great legacy. He does this by winning another dodgeball national championship for one of the greatest dodgeball players to ever