The contest is the central event of the novel and represents The Stress of Navigating Change, as demonstrated through Eddie’s character development. The contest also symbolizes potential, stressing the idea that change can bring about positive and negative consequences. When the contest is announced, Eddie begins to see how it could change his life. For he and his mom, who have been in financial trouble since Eddie’s father died, $1 million would be a game-changing amount of money that would allow them to vastly improve their lives. At first, Eddie only sees the potential positive outcomes associated with the contest, but when he wins the chance to take the shot and starts feeling the pressure, the contest becomes a source of anxiety and potential negativity. With the million dollars actually on the line, Eddie is forced to face the consequences of missing the shot, for in this instance, his life would remain the same and many potential opportunities would be gone forever.

The uncertainty of the contest brings change and upheaval to Eddie’s life. These changes start small, showing that change isn’t always obvious at first. As he experiences preferential treatment at school and enjoys using the school gym whenever he wants, he becomes overconfident in his abilities.