Sherman Alexie's Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a novel that represents intersections between texts and literary concepts, but also between cultures. The diary format of the novel joins a long tradition of books written as diaries which deal with issues regarding culture. Such books, due to the very personal nature of diaries, allow readers to experience the issues raised in the novels from a more personal perspective. There is much in the novel that all readers can relate to by drawing on their own experiences. Alexi deals with issues very sepcific to a part-time Indian, but the conflicts behind those issues are experienced by everyone.
The hero archetype/coming of age story is also present in Alexie's novel. Junior/Arnold leaves everything he is familiar with to enter a whole new culture, and is taken back into the fold (by Rowdy) after many growing experiences. Alexie portrays the hero archetype on so many different levels. Physically, Junior travels out of the reservation he grew up on to reach a better life. Culturally, he is forced to leave his native culture behind (becuase leaving the reservation meant that you were turning your back on your tribe) and enters the White world. Internally, he goes from being Junior to Arnold. He must resolve the conflicts on all of these levels.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hi Safia, I totally agree with your post. Culture is truly apart of this story. I think you are right about the fact that because this type of story is so personal and so true, many people can relate it to their lives. I would also agree that this is a coming of age story. What person hasn't been through these type of trials growing up? Everyone at some point in time has felt the same way as Junior, when it comes to culture, making decisions, and friends, etc. Great post!!!
ReplyDelete