What message does the novel want to get across to us as readers by revealing how Arnold reflects on the fact that the Welpinit team is actually the underdogs and the Reardan team is the Goliaths? with examples from the text
The novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie wants to convey the message that underdogs have the power to challenge and overcome the expectations and prejudices set upon them. Through the revelation that Arnold's Welpinit team is the underdog against the Reardan team, the novel emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and the potential for personal growth.
One example from the text is when Arnold reflects on the Reardan team before the basketball game: "The Reardan players were taller than us, stronger than us, better looking than us, and more confident than us. Plus, they were mostly white, while we were all Indian." This quote illustrates the physical and societal advantages that the Reardan players have over the Welpinit team. The message conveyed here is that frequently, underdogs come from marginalized backgrounds and face unfair challenges due to their socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity.
Another example is when Arnold mentions how the Welpinit team's reputation affects their mindset: "We believed other people’s thoughts about us. And the rumors about how poor we were, at least how poor our families were, made us feel ashamed." This passage highlights the burden of preconceived notions and the negative impact they can have on underdogs' self-esteem and confidence.
However, as the novel progresses, Arnold realizes that these superficial differences and prejudices shouldn't define their abilities or limit their potential. He begins to challenge these expectations and the underdog narrative, as seen when he says, "It was the first time in my life that I'd thought Indian boys could be anything but hopeless, and they were as happy as I was." This transformation signifies the novel's underlying message that underdogs have the power to defy expectations and achieve greatness.
Overall, the novel's message through the revelation of the Welpinit team as underdogs is the importance of self-belief, challenging stereotypes, and harnessing one's potential despite the odds stacked against them. It encourages readers to recognize the underlying inequalities faced by underdogs and to support their struggles for equality and success.
In the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, the message the author wants to convey by revealing Arnold's reflection on the Welpinit team being the underdogs and the Reardan team being the Goliaths is the idea of challenging stereotypes and breaking through societal expectations. This is showcased through several examples in the text.
One example is when Arnold describes the differences between the two basketball teams. He mentions that the Reardan team is seen as the giants, with tall players who dominate the court, while the Welpinit team is seen as the smaller, weaker team. Despite this perception, Arnold does not let it discourage him or his teammates. He recognizes the challenges they face but refuses to let it define their potential and capabilities. This shows the message of the novel, which is to defy stereotypes and prove that one's circumstances or background should not determine their worth or abilities.
Furthermore, Arnold's reflection on the underdog status also reflects the larger themes of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Arnold is aware of the disadvantages his team faces, such as lack of resources, limited training, and societal prejudice. However, he uses this as motivation to work harder and defy expectations. By embracing his underdog position, Arnold dismantles the idea that success is reserved only for those who are privileged or favored by conventional standards. He serves as an inspiration to readers who may feel like underdogs in their own lives, encouraging them to persevere and strive for their goals regardless of external circumstances.
Overall, the novel emphasizes the importance of challenging stereotypes, breaking through societal expectations, and pursuing one's dreams despite the odds. Through Arnold's reflections on the underdog status of the Welpinit team, readers are encouraged to question and defy the limitations that society may place upon them based on their background or circumstances.