In the space below write a paragraph in response to the following question: Why is the basketball rematch against Willpinit so emotional for Junior? ● Begin with a clear, concise topic sentence. ● Use textual evidence to justify your argument. ● Organize your ideas logically, maintain a formal style of writing, and follow the conventions of standard written English.
The basketball rematch against Willpinit is highly emotional for Junior due to various reasons. First and foremost, Junior wants to prove himself and validate his decision to switch schools. In the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, Junior is a Native American teenager who transfers from the Spokane Indian Reservation to an all-white school in Reardan. The rematch against Willpinit presents Junior with an opportunity to demonstrate his basketball skills and show that he can compete at a higher level. Moreover, Junior's connection to his community intensifies his emotions. As a member of the Spokane Indian Reservation, basketball is not just a game for Junior; it is a way to uplift his community and overcome the challenges they face. The rematch against Willpinit symbolizes a chance for Junior to prove to himself and his people that he can surpass the low expectations often associated with Native Americans in the sport. Thus, the basketball rematch against Willpinit carries significant emotional weight for Junior.
The basketball rematch against Willpinit holds immense emotional weight for Junior for several reasons. Firstly, the Willpinit team represents his former school, where Junior faced countless hardships and felt like an outcast. In the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, Junior states, "I had figured that the people from Reardon would hate me, but I hadn't anticipated the hatred from the white kids in Wellpinit" (Alexie 48). This reveals the extent of the discrimination and alienation he experienced at Willpinit. Additionally, the rematch symbolizes Junior's chance to prove himself and show that he can overcome adversity. Being the only Native American player on the opposing team, he has the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate his skills on the court. Consequently, the basketball rematch against Willpinit becomes an emotional event for Junior, as it encapsulates his desire for acceptance and redemption.
The basketball rematch against Willpinit is incredibly emotional for Junior because it represents not just a game, but a chance for him to prove himself and overcome the barriers he faces as a Native American. Throughout the novel, Junior struggles with his identity and feeling like an outsider in both his reservation and at his new school, Reardan. However, basketball offers him a way to belong and be accepted. When Junior's team faces Willpinit, his former school and reservation, he is filled with conflicting emotions of anger, nostalgia, and determination. For example, when Junior describes going back to Willpinit, he says, "And something happens to me. I play the best basketball I've ever played" (Alexie 162). This demonstrates that the game holds immense significance for Junior, as it symbolizes a chance for him to not only prove his worth as a basketball player, but also as a person who can overcome the stereotypes and prejudices placed upon him as a Native American.
