Why does Junior compare Coach to Eugene during Coach’s pep talk? What does Junior mean when he says, “So many ghosts” (page 188)? in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior compares Coach to Eugene during Coach's pep talk because both Coach and Eugene are individuals who are often underestimated and undervalued by others. Junior references Eugene, who is a Native American student at Reardan High School, and describes how Eugene is constantly seen as the stereotypical "drunk Indian" despite being a smart and talented student. By comparing Coach to Eugene, Junior highlights the irony of Eugene's situation and how unfair it is that people judge others based on stereotypes.
When Junior says, "So many ghosts" on page 188, he is referring to the numerous obstacles and challenges that he and his Native American community face. These "ghosts" symbolize the struggles, traumas, and hardships that have haunted Native Americans for generations, such as poverty, alcoholism, and discrimination. The phrase emphasizes the overwhelming presence and impact of these issues on Junior's life and the lives of others in his community.
In the book "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, Junior compares Coach to Eugene during Coach's pep talk because he sees similarities between the two. Eugene was a talented basketball player who died tragically in a car accident, while Coach is a former basketball player who now coaches the team. By comparing Coach to Eugene, Junior is trying to emphasize that Coach has the same potential to inspire and lead the team to success. He sees qualities in Coach that remind him of the greatness that Eugene possessed, and he hopes that Coach can bring out the best in the team just like Eugene did.
When Junior says, "So many ghosts" on page 188, he is referring to the numerous losses and tragedies that have occurred in his life and in his community. Junior has experienced the deaths of several people close to him, including his sister, grandmother, and best friend. He also faces the constant struggle of living on the Spokane Indian Reservation, where poverty and alcoholism are prevalent. When he says "So many ghosts," he is expressing the weight of grief and loss that he carries with him. It symbolizes the haunting memories and the overwhelming presence of death and tragedy in his life. This phrase reflects the profound impact that these losses have had on Junior's sense of identity and his perception of the world around him.
In the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, Junior compares Coach to Eugene during Coach's pep talk for a basketball game. Junior makes this comparison because Coach chooses to deliver the pep talk in the same manner that Eugene, another coach, used to do. Coach imitates Eugene's style and even uses his catchphrases. Junior finds this interesting because Eugene was fired as the school's basketball coach due to alcoholism and erratic behavior.
When Junior says, "So many ghosts" on page 188, he means that there are many reminders and memories of people who have influenced or affected his life. In this particular scene, Junior is at a basketball game and sees Coach acting like Eugene. This brings back memories of Eugene's firing and the impact it had on Junior. By saying "So many ghosts," Junior is expressing his awareness of the past and how it continues to haunt him and influence his present experiences.