Write a literature essay based on the novel "The absolutely diary of a part time indian" about how the theme of poverty and deaths affected Junior. The essay must have a clear background information, thesis statement(climax and how) and a clear roadmap in the introduction
Background Information:
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a poignant and semi-autobiographical novel written by Sherman Alexie. The story follows the life of Arnold Spirit Jr., known as Junior, a Native American teenager who lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington state. Poverty and death are recurring themes in this novel and have a profound impact on Junior's life.
Thesis Statement:
Throughout "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," poverty and deaths affect Junior emotionally, intellectually, and physically, propelling him on a journey of self-discovery and resilience as he seeks to break free from the cycle of poverty and overcome the tragedies that befall him.
Roadmap:
This essay will delve into Junior's experiences with poverty and death on the reservation, exploring their impact on his emotional well-being, intellectual growth, and physical mobility. It will analyze the climax of the story, wherein Junior realizes the need to leave the reservation to pursue a better life and the subsequent challenges he faces in achieving this goal.
Junior's experience with poverty is a constant thread throughout the novel. Growing up in a destitute household with limited resources exemplifies his struggle. The lack of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and access to healthcare severely affects his physical well-being. Junior remarks, "Hunger hurts, but starving works," indicating the grim reality of his situation (Alexie, p. 41). The constant presence of poverty and Junior's awareness of it shapes his perspective on life, instilling within him a deep sense of empathy for others who are similarly afflicted.
In addition to poverty, death is a prevalent theme that deeply impacts Junior's emotional state. The sudden demise of his sister, Mary, from an illness leaves Junior devastated. This tragedy shatters him emotionally, as he loses one of his closest companions during a time of immense personal struggle. Furthermore, Junior's countless encounters with death within his community emphasize the harsh reality faced by those living on the reservation. The suicides, alcoholism-related fatalities, and accidental deaths reveal the pervasive sense of hopelessness and despair that Junior must grapple with on a daily basis.
The climax of the novel occurs when Junior decides to leave the reservation and attend Reardan, a predominantly white school outside the reservation. This momentous decision is driven by his realization that education offers him the possibility of a better life, breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and death that plagues his community. Junior asserts, "I realized that, sure, I was a Spokane Indian. I belonged to that tribe. But I also belonged to the tribe of American immigrants" (Alexie, p. 42). This revelation marks a turning point, fueling Junior's determination to succeed academically and escape the limitations imposed by the reservation.
Following his decision, Junior faces numerous challenges as he navigates an unfamiliar and often hostile environment. He encounters racism, discrimination, and cultural clashes, all of which threaten to derail his quest for a better future. Nevertheless, the hardships he endures serve as a testament to his resilience and resourcefulness.
In conclusion, poverty and deaths in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" significantly impact Junior's emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. The destitution he faces and the losses he endures force him to confront the harsh realities of life on the reservation. However, his experiences ultimately serve as a catalyst for change, propelling him towards self-discovery and the pursuit of a brighter future. Through overcoming the challenges presented by poverty and death, Junior exhibits unwavering resilience, inspiring readers to reflect on their own circumstances and the transformative power of personal determination.
Introduction:
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is a novel written by Sherman Alexie that revolves around the life of a young Native American boy named Junior. Throughout the story, poverty and deaths play a significant role in shaping Junior's character and his perspective on life. This essay will examine how the theme of poverty and deaths affected Junior, as well as discuss the climax of the story and its transformative impact on his journey.
Background information:
Set in the Spokane Indian Reservation in the state of Washington, Junior's life is fraught with poverty and despair. Growing up on the reservation, he witnesses the devastating effects of poverty on his family and community. The lack of resources, opportunities, and hope becomes a constant reality for Junior, creating a mindset that is consistently challenged by the world outside the reservation.
Thesis statement:
The theme of poverty and deaths in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" profoundly affects Junior, as it forces him to confront the harsh realities of his environment, ultimately leading to a transformative climax that alters his perceptions and path in life.
Roadmap:
This essay will examine the impact of poverty and deaths on Junior's character, discuss the climactic moment in the novel, and analyze how this event changes his perspective on poverty and life.
Body Paragraph 1:
Junior's exposure to poverty begins early in his life. He lives in a household where basic needs are often unmet, and the reservation's overall economic struggles limit opportunities for education and progress. Poverty permeates every aspect of Junior's life, resulting in a constant battle for survival. Witnessing this level of poverty forces Junior to confront the painful reality that his circumstances are holding him back, forming a sense of deep frustration and anger.
Body Paragraph 2:
Another important aspect of the theme is the frequent occurrence of deaths within Junior's community. Death becomes an ever-present companion, taking away loved ones and reinforcing the fragility of life. Each loss adds to the crushing weight of poverty, heightening Junior's awareness of his own mortality and the urgency to break free from the limitations imposed by his surroundings.
Body Paragraph 3:
The turning point in the novel is the climactic moment when Junior decides to leave the reservation and attend an all-white school outside of the reservation. This decision comes after the death of his sister and represents a pivotal moment of growth and self-discovery for Junior. It marks his rebellion against the limitations of poverty and death, as he seeks new opportunities, education, and a chance at a better life.
Body Paragraph 4:
The climax of the story not only changes Junior's external circumstances but also deeply affects his perspective on poverty and life. Through his experiences at the new school, Junior gains a broader understanding of the world and realizes that poverty is not solely based on material wealth, but also encompasses ignorance, prejudice, and lack of opportunities. This newfound awareness transforms Junior's outlook, empowering him to fight against the cycle of poverty and advocate for change within his Native American community.
Conclusion:
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" illustrates how the themes of poverty and deaths profoundly impact Junior's character and journey. Poverty forces him to confront the limitations of his circumstances, while the frequent deaths remind him of the fragility of life. However, it is the climactic decision to leave the reservation and attend a new school that serves as a transformative moment for Junior, altering his perceptions of poverty and igniting a passion for change. Through this lens, Alexie's novel gives us a deeper understanding of the effects of poverty and death on the human spirit and the resilience it takes to overcome such challenges.