Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy he receives from his classmates at Reardan because he has always been seen as an outsider and has faced discrimination for being Native American. He is used to being ignored or mistreated by his peers, so the sudden compassion and support from them shocks him. Additionally, Junior may have internalized the idea that he is not worthy of sympathy or understanding due to his low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan because he is used to being treated as an outcast on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He is used to being ignored, bullied, and even physically attacked by his peers. The sudden display of empathy and understanding from his new classmates is a stark contrast to his previous experiences, leaving him pleasantly surprised and taken aback.
Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan because he comes from a poverty-stricken and marginalized community on the Spokane Indian Reservation. His classmates, who are predominantly white and affluent, may not have had personal experiences with poverty and the challenges that come with it. Therefore, their sympathy towards Junior's circumstances and their willingness to support him is unexpected to him.
