List all the 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. Do this without narratting the novel and link them with all the themes in the novel such as systematic oppression on the education system on the rez, how these even shape Arnold's gender and racial identities, poverty
1. Arnold's decision to attend Reardan High School: The novel starts with Arnold's realization that he needs to leave the reservation if he wants to have a better future. Despite facing opposition and criticism from his community, he decides to transfer to Reardan High School, a predominantly white school located off the reservation. This event highlights the theme of systematic oppression in the education system on the rez, where limited resources, outdated textbooks, and underqualified teachers hinder the academic progress of Native American students. Arnold's decision also shapes his racial identity, as he constantly faces discrimination and stereotypes from his white classmates.
2. The death of Arnold's grandmother: Arnold's grandmother is a supportive and nurturing figure in his life. Her death serves as a significant loss and symbolizes the cycle of poverty and hardship that his community faces. This event reinforces the theme of poverty and its impact on individuals, as Arnold's family struggles to cope with the funeral expenses and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
3. Arnold's friendship with Rowdy: Rowdy is Arnold's closest friend on the reservation, but their friendship is strained when Arnold decides to attend Reardan High School. Rowdy feels betrayed and becomes increasingly hostile towards Arnold. This event highlights the theme of friendship and loyalty, as Arnold grapples with the consequences of his choices and tries to mend their friendship throughout the novel.
4. Arnold's encounters with racism at Reardan High School: As one of the few Native American students at Reardan High School, Arnold faces racism and discrimination from both his peers and teachers. He is called offensive names and faces assumptions about his capabilities and background. This event emphasizes the theme of systematic oppression in the education system, as Arnold's experiences shed light on the inequalities faced by marginalized students in predominantly white schools.
5. Arnold's involvement in the basketball team: Arnold joins the school basketball team as a way to fit in and make friends. Despite initially struggling due to his small stature and lack of experience, he perseveres and becomes a valuable player for the team. This event explores the theme of identity, as Arnold finds a sense of belonging and purpose through his athletic abilities, challenging stereotypes associated with being a Native American.
6. Arnold's visit to the Powwow: Arnold attends a Powwow with his family and experiences a connection to his cultural heritage. He witnesses the strength and resilience of his community and realizes the importance of maintaining their traditions and stories. This event highlights the theme of cultural identity, as Arnold grapples with his dual identity as a Native American attending a predominantly white school.
7. Arnold's reconciliation with Rowdy: Towards the end of the novel, Arnold and Rowdy confront their differences and reconcile. Arnold acknowledges the pain he caused Rowdy by leaving the reservation, and Rowdy acknowledges his friend's determination and bravery in pursuing a better future. This event underscores the theme of friendship and loyalty, as the two characters overcome their differences and strengthen their bond.
Throughout the novel, the events and themes are intricately linked, showcasing the complex and intertwined nature of Arnold's journey as he navigates through oppression, poverty, identity, and friendships. The events provide a lens through which we understand the challenges faced by Native American communities, the impact of racism on an individual's sense of self, and the power of resilience and determination in overcoming systemic barriers.
Sure! Here are some important events from the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, explained in detail and linked to the themes of systematic oppression, education on the reservation, and the impact on Arnold's gender, racial identities, and poverty:
1. Arnold switches schools: In the beginning of the novel, Arnold decides to transfer from the underfunded and poor-quality school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to an all-white high school in a nearby town. This event highlights the theme of systematic oppression on the education system on the reservation, where resources for education are limited. The poverty-stricken reservation lacks the necessary funds and opportunities for quality education, leading Arnold to take a brave step to pursue a better future.
2. Arnold's identity struggle: As Arnold enters the all-white school, he faces racial discrimination and struggles to fit in. He is caught between his racial identity as a Native American and assimilating into the predominantly white culture at his new school. This event highlights the theme of shaping Arnold's racial identity. He is constantly torn between his cultural heritage and the pressure to conform to the norms of the dominant white society.
3. Junior's friendship with Rowdy: Arnold's friendship with Rowdy, his childhood best friend, deteriorates after Arnold leaves the reservation and transfers schools. Rowdy feels betrayed by Arnold's decision to leave their community, causing resentment and conflict between them. This event illustrates how their friendship is influenced by systematic oppression and the difficulty of breaking free from generational poverty. Rowdy represents the cycle of poverty and is unwilling or unable to see beyond the boundaries of the reservation.
4. Arnold's art as an outlet: Throughout the novel, Arnold uses his talent for drawing as a form of escapism and self-expression. His art becomes a way to confront and challenge the societal issues he experiences. This event ties back to the theme of education and the power of creativity as a means of self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and escaping poverty.
5. Arnold's realization of his potential: Arnold discovers his talent and potential as he excels academically and athletically at his new school. This event showcases how access to quality education outside the reservation can empower individuals to overcome systemic oppression and poverty. Arnold's achievements defy societal expectations and stereotypes placed upon Native Americans, reinforcing the message of the transformative power of education.
6. Death and loss on the reservation: Various deaths occur throughout the novel, highlighting the grim reality faced by Arnold's community. The deaths of Eugene, Junior's sister, and Mary, a friend from the reservation, shed light on the harsh living conditions and limited opportunities faced by Native Americans. These events emphasize the theme of poverty and its tragic consequences on the reservation.
By exploring these events in detail and highlighting their connection to the themes of systematic oppression on education, shaping of identity, and the impact of poverty, you can analyze and discuss the novel's messages and the struggles faced by Arnold as he navigates his unique circumstances.
In order to compile a list of important events in the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie and analyze their connection to themes such as systematic oppression on the education system, Arnold's gender and racial identities, and poverty, we can follow a systematic approach:
1. Arnold's decision to transfer schools:
This event marks a major turning point in the novel, when Arnold decides to leave the reservation's troubled school system and attend the all-white school in a nearby town called Reardan. This decision is driven by his realization of the lack of opportunities and systemic oppression in his own school. It signifies the theme of systematic oppression on the education system on the rez.
2. Arnold's struggle with racial and cultural identity:
Throughout the novel, Arnold faces internal conflicts as he navigates life on the reservation and in a predominantly white school. One example of this is when he's torn between embracing his Native American heritage and wanting to fit in with his new white friends. This struggle reflects the theme of shaping Arnold's racial identity.
3. Poverty and its impacts on Arnold's life:
The issue of poverty is a prevalent theme in the novel. Arnold's family, like many others on the reservation, struggles with financial hardships. This is highlighted by their limited access to basic resources such as food, healthcare, and education. Arnold's determination to overcome poverty and escape its cycle becomes a driving force for his actions and decisions.
4. Arnold's friendship with Rowdy:
Arnold and Rowdy are best friends despite their differences. However, their friendship becomes strained after Arnold's decision to leave the reservation. The complex dynamics of their relationship reveal the challenges faced by individuals with different backgrounds and how it can influence their sense of belonging and self-identity.
5. Arnold's achievements at Reardan:
As Arnold starts attending Reardan and excels not only academically but also on the basketball team, he defies expectations and breaks stereotypes associated with Native Americans. His successes highlight the theme of overcoming systemic oppression and the transformative power of education.
6. The loss of loved ones:
Throughout the novel, Arnold experiences several losses, including the deaths of his sister, grandmother, and fellow students on the reservation. These tragedies display the harsh reality of life on the reservation, intensifying the theme of poverty and its repercussions on individuals and communities.
7. Arnold's determination to bring change:
As Arnold witnesses the struggles and injustices faced by his community, he becomes determined to bring about change. He starts to challenge and question the status quo, advocating for better education, access, and opportunities for Native American students. This stance against systematic oppression is a central theme woven throughout the novel.
By examining these important events in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" and understanding their connection to themes such as systematic oppression on the education system, shaping Arnold's gender and racial identities, and poverty, one can develop a comprehensive understanding of both the narrative and the underlying messages conveyed by Sherman Alexie.