Anrold from the novel "the absolute true story diary of a part time indian" why is he mad at his bestfriend
In the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, the character Arnold (also known as Junior) becomes angry with his best friend, Rowdy, for several reasons.
1. Cultural Differences: Arnold, as a Native American, begins attending a predominantly white school off the reservation. This creates a divide between him and Rowdy, who feels abandoned and betrayed when Arnold chooses to leave their reservation school.
2. Betrayal: Arnold's decision to attend the new school is seen by Rowdy as a betrayal of their friendship and their shared experiences on the reservation. Rowdy feels that Arnold is trying to escape their difficult reality, leaving him behind.
3. Physical Confrontation: Throughout the novel, Arnold and Rowdy have various conflicts, often escalating to physical fights. Arnold's new opportunities and success at the new school make Rowdy feel inferior, resulting in anger and resentment.
4. Alcohol Abuse in Families: Both Arnold and Rowdy come from families with issues related to alcohol abuse. In one particular incident, Rowdy's father, who is drunk, attacks Arnold's mother. This incident further strains their friendship, as Arnold blames Rowdy for his father's actions and believes he should have done something to prevent it.
Overall, the anger between Arnold and Rowdy stems from their differing paths in life, their cultural differences, and the complex dynamics within their families.
In the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, Arnold Spirit Jr., or Junior, becomes mad at his best friend, Rowdy, for several reasons throughout the story. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of some of the reasons why Junior is mad at Rowdy:
1. Junior starts at the all-white Reardan High School: Junior's decision to transfer from the Spokane Indian Reservation to the predominantly white Reardan High School creates a division between him and his childhood friend, Rowdy. Rowdy feels betrayed by Junior's choice and sees it as a way for Junior to leave behind their shared struggles on the reservation.
2. Junior's relationship with Penelope: Junior starts dating Penelope, a popular white girl at Reardan. This further drives a wedge between him and Rowdy because Penelope is someone Rowdy also has feelings for. Rowdy becomes jealous and resentful of Junior's new relationship.
3. The basketball game: Junior and Rowdy's friendship suffers a significant blow when they face off against each other in a basketball game. Rowdy plays for Wellpinit, their reservation's team, while Junior plays for Reardan. During the game, tensions run high, and Rowdy ends up punching Junior, causing a physical fight between them.
4. Junior's desire for a better life: Throughout the book, Junior expresses his desire to escape the cycle of poverty and struggles faced by his family and community. Rowdy, on the other hand, resents the idea of leaving the reservation, believing that their identity and culture are tied to their homeland. Their differing views on what constitutes success and happiness further drive a wedge between them.
These reasons contribute to the strain in Junior and Rowdy's friendship, causing them to become mad at each other at different points in the novel.