Question

Why does manning start his essay with a match that leaves him "too bitter to smile" and then move backward to earlier bouts of arm wrestling?

Answer 1

It might have been utilized to set up a negative sort of impression that would, later on, be changed to something positive. It demonstrates that his comprehension of his dad, to start with, was hazy and at last, he comprehended his dad in a way that he hadn't some time recently.