Important events that happened in the novel "The absolutely diary of a part time indian" explained in detail for any events based essay puposes with examples from the novel
1. Arnold's Decision to Attend Reardan High School
- This event is significant as it sets the stage for Arnold's journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Despite being the first of his family to venture outside the Spokane Indian Reservation, Arnold chooses to transfer to an all-white high school in Reardan, leaving behind his old friends and community.
- In the novel, Arnold explains his motivation for making this decision: "I realized that if I wanted to do something with my life—I wanted to be something—I couldn't do it on the reservation. Too many of my tribe's dreams had been bulldozed into the ground" (Alexie, 51).
- By attending Reardan, Arnold faces racism and alienation, but he also gains access to better educational opportunities, making this event a turning point in his life.
2. The Death of Arnold's Sister, Mary
- Mary's sudden death devastates both Arnold and his family. She dies due to a combination of poverty, alcoholism, and lack of access to proper healthcare on the reservation.
- This event highlights the grim reality of life on the reservation, where a lack of resources and systemic issues lead to preventable tragedies.
- Arnold reflects on Mary's death, saying, "Nobody can write a tragedy like my sister can. Nobody can write about tragedy like my people can. It's like everybody on the rez has to write about it. It's like we're all competing to see who has the saddest story. And this is important, because my family has the saddest story of them all" (Alexie, 41).
- By portraying the impact of Mary's death, the novel sheds light on the harsh challenges faced by Native American communities in contemporary society.
3. Basketball Games Between Reardan and Wellpinit
- Throughout the novel, Arnold's talent for basketball becomes a means of bridging the gap between the two communities he belongs to, Reardan and the Spokane Indian Reservation.
- The rivalry between Reardan and Wellpinit serves as a metaphor for the divisions and prejudices in society. Despite initial animosity and racial tensions, basketball allows Arnold to form friendships with his former classmates and challenge stereotypes.
- An example is when Arnold's team, with him as the only Native American player, faces off against his old reservation school in the championship game. Arnold's coach comments, "You playing against your own people, Arnold. You gotta be proud" (Alexie, 213). This game symbolizes Arnold's struggle to find his place in a world that often pits him against his Native American heritage.
- The basketball games provide a platform for Arnold to prove himself, challenge racial barriers, and bring people together through common interests, highlighting the power of sports as a unifying force.
4. Arnold's Friendship with Penelope
- Penelope, a white student at Reardan, becomes one of Arnold's closest friends. Their friendship defies societal expectations and challenges the notion of segregation and prejudice.
- Through their friendship, Arnold and Penelope offer each other support and understanding. Penelope shares her own struggles with depression, while Arnold offers insights into Native American culture and life on the reservation.
- When Penelope stands up for Arnold against her racist father, it demonstrates the transformative power of friendship and the potential for individuals to break free from the confines of their upbringing and learn empathy and compassion.
- Their friendship symbolizes the hope of unity and the possibility of overcoming societal divisions, emphasizing the importance of building connections across racial and cultural boundaries.
By focusing on these key events and their significance, an essay on "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" would highlight the novel's exploration of identity, racial prejudice, and the resilience needed to overcome socio-economic challenges.
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Sherman Alexie. It tells the story of Arnold Spirit Jr., a young Native American boy growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington state. Here are some important events from the novel, along with detailed explanations and examples:
1. Arnold's Decision to Attend Reardan High School:
One of the crucial events in the story is Arnold's decision to leave the reservation and attend the predominantly white Reardan High School in a nearby town. This decision is significant because it symbolizes Arnold's desire for a better education and his attempt to break away from the limitations imposed by his community. It also leads to a conflict between Arnold and his fellow Native Americans who see his decision as a betrayal.
Example: "I realized that if I stayed on the reservation, then I'd become nothing. I realized that if I wanted to save myself, I had to leave." (Chapter 18)
2. Arnold's Friendship with Gordy:
Arnold forms a friendship with Gordy, a fellow student at Reardan High School who shares his love for books and knowledge. Gordy becomes an important mentor figure for Arnold, encouraging him to broaden his perspectives and challenging the stereotypes they face as Native Americans. Their friendship represents the power of education and the positive impact it can have on individuals.
Example: "Gordy taught me how to break a stereotype. Gordy's exoskeleton was dating a white girl. My exoskeleton was wearing eyeglasses and drawing cartoons. Together we made the perfect exoskeleton for a couple of bookworms." (Chapter 23)
3. Arnold's Basketball Skills:
Arnold discovers his talent for basketball after joining the school team at Reardan. His skills on the court not only bring recognition and respect from his classmates but also help him bridge the gap between his Native American identity and the predominantly white student body at Reardan. Arnold's success in basketball becomes a source of confidence and enables him to challenge discrimination and prejudice.
Example: "We were the kind of people with no real powers of our own, so we always turned to basketball. And there I was, building my superpowers on the basketball court." (Chapter 13)
4. Junior's Grandma's Death:
The death of Arnold's grandmother is a pivotal moment in the novel. She is one of the few people who truly understood and supported him, providing him with love and encouragement. Her passing represents the loss of a connection to his roots and traditions, and it forces Arnold to confront the harsh reality of life on the reservation.
Example: "And then Grandma died. And Junior Spirit died right there with her." (Chapter 15)
5. The Powwow:
The powwow is an essential event in the novel as it brings together the Native American community, providing a sense of unity and belonging. It serves as a reminder of the cultural heritage and traditions that shape the characters' identities. Arnold's participation in the powwow represents his reconciliation with his Native American heritage and his acceptance of his dual identity as a Spokane Indian and a student at Reardan.
Example: "The powwow was like a whirlwind cyclone of color, laughter, and tears. It lasted only a few hours, but it felt like we had all lived one entire lifetime of emotion." (Chapter 29)
These are just a few important events from "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" that can be explored in an essay. The novel addresses themes of identity, cultural clash, and the pursuit of education, offering powerful insights into the life of a young Native American boy striving for a better future.
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a coming-of-age novel written by Sherman Alexie. It follows the journey of Arnold Spirit Jr., a young Native American boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Here are some important events in the novel along with examples to help you with your essay purposes:
1. Arnold's decision to attend Reardan High School:
One significant event in the novel is Arnold's decision to leave the reservation and attend the predominantly white Reardan High School off the reservation. Arnold realizes that in order to break free from the cycle of poverty and alcoholism on the reservation, he needs access to better education. Here's an example from the novel: "I had to leave the rez. I had to leave behind all those rows of old houses and vertical social stagnation."
2. Arnold's friendship with Rowdy:
Arnold's friendship with Rowdy, his best friend since childhood, is a central theme in the novel. However, when Arnold decides to attend Reardan, Rowdy feels betrayed and their friendship becomes strained. This event highlights the challenges Arnold faces in pursuing his dreams while losing the support of his closest friend. An example from the novel showing the conflict between them is when Rowdy says, "You're a traitor, you know that? You're a traitor to your own people."
3. The death of Eugene, Arnold's sister:
Tragedy strikes when Arnold's sister, Eugene, dies due to a lack of medical attention on the reservation. This event deeply affects Arnold and fuels his determination to improve his life and the lives of others in his community. The impact of Eugene's death is demonstrated when Arnold says, "I couldn’t look at anything red without feeling as if I had been doused in blood."
4. Arnold's basketball success:
Arnold discovers his talent for basketball and becomes a star player for the Reardan High School basketball team. This event marks a turning point in Arnold's life as he gains recognition and respect from his peers, bridging the gap between the reservation and the predominantly white town. An example from the novel describing his success in basketball is, "The crowd was on their feet. The whole gym was screaming. People were hugging and kissing each other. We had just beaten Wellpinit, and I was the hero."
5. Arnold's reconciliation with Rowdy:
Despite their differences, Arnold and Rowdy's friendship eventually begins to heal. They have a heartfelt encounter where they understand each other's struggles and forgive each other. This event shows the power of forgiveness and the strength of their bond. An example from the novel highlighting their reconciliation is when Rowdy says, "You’re still here, aren’t you? And you’re stronger than ever. That’s proof right there that you’ve got a strong heart and a strong mind."
These events demonstrate the central themes of the novel, such as identity, friendship, and the struggle for self-acceptance. Using examples from the novel, you can analyze these events in detail, exploring their significance and impact on the protagonist's journey.