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Themes

Desire for Money

Eddie Felson has one focus in his life - making money by playing pool. He cares for nothing but money and fame. Eddie knows that he is a good pool player, and he expects to make his fortune playing pool.

When viewers first meet Eddie, he shows his true colors while playing Minnesota Fats. Although he wins most of the night, Eddie becomes so drunk that he ends up losing to Fats. Eddie wants to make thousands of dollars quickly, but he often defeats himself.

After Eddie begins working with Bert, he learns more and more about winning successfully. Eddie makes thousands in one night at the Derby and wins even more from the last game with Fats. Eddie wants money more than almost anything, but when he loses Sarah, he realizes that some things are more important.

The Born Loser

Eddie always seems to be defeating himself. He tries to win at...
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