In Alexi's (2007) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian how does the death of his Uncle Eugene and grandmother Spirit shape Arnold's racial identity
In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Alexie, the deaths of Arnold's Uncle Eugene and grandmother Spirit play a significant role in shaping his racial identity. These losses expose him to the realities of the discrimination and systemic racism faced by Native Americans, pushing him to confront and understand his own racial identity in a newly profound way.
Arnold, also known as Junior, comes from the Spokane Indian Reservation, where poverty and limited opportunities are prevalent. However, when Junior decides to attend the predominantly white Reardan High School outside the reservation, he begins to question his place in both the white and Native American communities. The deaths of his Uncle Eugene and grandmother Spirit amplify this sense of displacement and contribute to his exploration of his racial identity.
Uncle Eugene's death is particularly influential, as it is a result of alcoholism, which is a common issue within Native American communities due to the historical and ongoing trauma endured by these communities. This experience forces Arnold to confront the destructive cycles and systemic issues that plague Native American communities, including poverty, alcoholism, and lack of access to resources. By witnessing the devastating impact of these issues firsthand, Arnold begins to question the limitations and stereotypes placed on him as a Native American.
Similarly, the death of his grandmother Spirit also affects Arnold's racial identity. Spirit is a traditional and respected figure within their community, and her death represents the loss of culture and knowledge. Through this loss, Arnold realizes the importance of preserving his heritage and traditions. He understands that his identity as a Native American is not solely defined by the hardships faced by his community but also by the rich cultural heritage and resilience that they possess.
As a result of these deaths, Arnold begins to question the negative perceptions associated with being Native American and confronts the internalized racism within his own community. He recognizes the need to pursue his dreams and rise above the limitations placed on him as a Native American. By attending Reardan, Arnold also gains exposure to a wider range of experiences and perspectives, which helps him develop a more nuanced understanding of his own racial identity.
In conclusion, the deaths of Arnold's Uncle Eugene and grandmother Spirit have a profound impact on his racial identity. These losses expose him to the systemic issues faced by Native American communities and push him to confront his own place in society. Through these experiences, Arnold takes steps towards embracing and preserving his heritage while challenging the stereotypes and limitations placed on him as a Native American.
In Alexie's 2007 novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," the death of Arnold's Uncle Eugene and his grandmother Spirit indeed play a significant role in shaping his racial identity. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how these events influence Arnold:
1. Death of Uncle Eugene:
- Arnold's Uncle Eugene serves as a powerful symbol of hope and possibility for him.
- When Eugene dies due to alcoholism, Arnold is devastated and realizes that his uncle's potential was wasted due to systemic issues like poverty and alcoholism, which affect the Native American community.
- This loss makes Arnold question the future that awaits him on the reservation, where many people's dreams are crushed.
- He becomes determined to break free from these circumstances and pursue a better life outside the reservation, which affects his racial identity as he begins to question his loyalty to his community.
2. Death of Grandmother Spirit:
- Arnold's grandmother Spirit is one of the few supportive figures in his life. She offers him love, encouragement, and a connection to his heritage.
- When Spirit dies, Arnold feels a profound sense of loss and abandonment.
- Losing his grandmother, who represents a connection to his Native American roots, leaves Arnold feeling more isolated and disconnected from his cultural identity.
- This loss makes him reflect on the significance of his heritage and prompts him to seek ways to preserve and honor it.
Overall, the deaths of Uncle Eugene and Grandmother Spirit bring about a deep emotional and existential struggle for Arnold. These losses make him question the limited opportunities and social issues faced by Native Americans, ultimately shaping his racial identity and motivating him to overcome the obstacles in his path.