Why does Junior cry on pages 216 and 217? Charlie W

On page 216 and 217 Junior cries for his sister and all the loss he has had in the past few months.
He also cried for how brave his sister was for leaving the reservation and chasing her dreams. At the bottom of page 216 it says "We were supposed to disappear" (Alexie 216) This shows that she was noble and brave because just before that Sherman Alexie says that reservations were supposed to be prisons but Mary broke free and followed her dream to Montana. Even though she didn't catch her dream, she made a attempt which is what really counts. This really counts because at the beginning of the book Mr.P says that people on the rez have already given up but its not to late for Junior or Mary. Junior also cries for himself because he took Mr.P advice and not given up and it made him a better person and made him believe in himself.  This teaches us that even if people have given up around you don't let them pull you down with them. You can be better and you can prevail.

4. Interpret/explain/explore the context and significance of the last line of the book (230). Connie Y.

The last line of the book, “We didn’t keep score” (230), is significant because for the past year since Junior transferred to Rearden, the relationship between Rowdy and Junior was very tense and full of hatred, but at the end of the book, the boys finally reconnect with a game of basketball. The fact that Junior is saying that they didn’t even keep score just shows how they are actually learning to accept the fact that Junior has made the choice to be at Rearden and that they are truly friends. Before, they would’ve played an intense game of basketball, both desperately trying to prove the other better, but only true friends wouldn’t care about the score. Both boys had missed the other, even Rowdy, who is the tough guy who has no emotional moments, had dreamed about Junior. Rowdy also showed how much he truly cared about Junior when the boys were talking before their game of scoreless basketball, “For a second, I thought he was going to cry. Really. I expected him to cry” (Alexie 229). After this long of being not friends, Rowdy had even almost broke, and it is very meaningful if Rowdy, who is very competitive, doesn’t even want to keep score. They are only glad that they are friends again and that although things will never be the exact same again, at least they are together playing scoreless basketball.

8. 1. Why does Rowdy tell Arnold, "You killed her" (211)? Is there truth to this statement? (Liv Y.)

          Rowdy's statement is partly true because he inspired Mary by going to Reardan, but he didn't firsthand kill her. Rowdy tells Junior this at Mary's funeral. Because Junior decided to go to school at Reardan, this motivated Mary to run away and live in Montana. "But she only got married so quickly and left the rez because I had left the rez first." (Alexie, 211). By attending Reardan, Junior is showing that it is okay to follow your dreams and do something different from everyone else on the rez. This is what inspires Mary to get away from her life and do whatever she wants. Rowdy's accusation isn't completely true, but there is some truth in it. Junior did not set Mary's trailer on fire, but he was part of the reason why she ran away. If she hadn't run away, she could still be alive. Mary ran away because Arnold inspired her, but he didn't actually kill her.

#7 3. Summarize the outcome of their game. Why does Junior cry at the end? What does he realize?

Junior's varsity team beat the Wellpinit team by many points, humiliating them and making them feel angry and mad. Junior's team, Reardon, consists of well-off people who don't have to worry as much about the money that they spend. On the other hand, the Wellpinit team members have to worry about how they are going to get breakfast in the morning. The Wellpinit team walks into the Reardon gym being booed and being made fun of even though they already feel embarrassed because they are not as rich at all as the Reardon students. At the end of the game they get more embarrassed because of their loss. Junior starts crying at the end of the game because he knows that he and his team just made the Wellpinit team feel more bad. He realizes that the Wellpinit team takes pride in their basketball success, one of the only things they feel good about and he just ruined their feeling of pride. Junior says, "I was suddenly ashamed that I'd wanted so badly to take revenge on them," (196 Alexie) because he knows that his team is more privileged than theirs and he should try to help them think more highly of themselves.

What is Arnold’s grieving ceremony? What connection do you see between this and the cartoon on 166?(ColinM)

      Ever since Eugene died, Junior had a tough time getting around the fact that Eugene was dead and that there was nothing he could do to change it. His attempts to cheer himself up consisted mainly of  "writing and rewriting, drawing and redrawing and revising and re-editing." (Alexie 178) This later turned into his grieving ceremony. Junior wrote about the happy things in his life, in the hope that he would appreciate them more, and be grateful for them, while they were still there to be appreciated. When Junior's grandma died, there were still countless questions to be asked and a hundred hugs to be given, which couldn't be given anymore because she was dead. This further shows that you should ask your questions and show your love before it's too late. Junior's grieving and grieving ceremony relates to the cartoon on 166. This cartoon depicts a man laughing and crying. This picture symbolizes that after all the grieving and crying comes happiness. This shows that bad things don't last forever and you can always overcome the hard times in your life if you try to stay positive.

#5 2. Summarize the cartoon on 182. What is the significance? What does this show about Junior? What is his dilemma? - Saffy P

Junior draws a cartoon demonstrating what people say to him and how he feels when he plays basketball in Reardan versus when he is playing at Wellpinit. The cartoon has been placed when Junior is bragging about how amazing his team has become. The cartoon shows that when he is in the Wellpinit gym, he is criticized for betrayal, and being a "White lover" (Alexie 182). Meanwhile, when Junior is in the Reardan gym, he is encouraged, and supported by the crowds. A question that Junior asks that can be seen throughout the cartoon is "Who am I?" (Alexie 182). Junior asks this question because at Wellpinit, he no longer feels like he fits in because he has betrayed the school to go to Reardan. Junoir's tribe call him an "Apple" (Alexie 131,)  because he looks Indian, but they think that really, he is white on the inside. At Reardan, Junior can never really fit in because he is the only Indian kid in the school, he may feel like he fits in, but someone will always hate him for being Indian. Junoir says, " I wasn't from the town ... so I would always be an outsider." The question that Junoir ponders represents the title of the book "A Part-Time Indian," because Junoir is partially an Indian, but also a white person on the inside. Junior illustrates the two sides of his personality in this cartoon.

#6-4: What was Junior’s grandmother’s greatest gift? What has happened to Indians’ sense of tolerance? Why has that occurred? (Sofi P.)

Junior's grandmother's greatest gift was the gift of tolerance. In the old days, Indians often honored characteristics often seen as weird today. "In fact, weird people were often celebrated." They thought seizures were given to lucky ones as a gift from God, and that gays were special because they were both caregivers and warriors, instead of  one. Over time, the Indians' sense of tolerance has ceased to exist. Junior says white people brought their fear of difference to native cultures, causing the loss of acceptance. 

#6 1. How did Junior make the basketball team? In what ways was this related to his conversation with his dad earlier?(Adrian M.-P.)

Junior made the basketball team by battling his way through tryouts in order to impress the coach, with his determination to earn himself a spot on the team. Arnold says to himself, “I should have stayed down. But I didn’t”(Alexie 141). When Arnold is in a One-on-One with Roger, he finds himself in terror and is completely intimidated by Rogers figure, but has the push to keep on fighting. Earlier his dad had told him the story about how he had first met his mother. Arnold's dad states, “You have to dream big to get big” (Alexie 136). Arnold’s Father describes how he had the courage to let Arnold's mom help him get a drink of water when he was 5 and she was 13. Arnold's father did not feel intimidated by the age difference but instead believed in himself. At first Junior didn’t believe he had what it took to make the team. He knew it was a stretch saying that he could make varsity but ended up on varsity because of his mentality to keep going and not give up until tryouts were over. In the end, both Junior and his Father were dreaming big but both of their dreams had gotten them far. As there were acts of courage and determination in both of them.

Who is the first game against? How is he treated by the crowd at the first game? How does the team (and coach) rez/support him? How does this impact him? (Ty H.)

                Arnold's first game was against the Rez and it did not go too well for Arnold. The minute he stepped off the bus he was pelted with snowballs with rocks in them thrown by his old classmates, and he was very scared. The fans from the rez chanted "Arnold sucks! Arnold sucks". (Alexie 143)  Arnold's coach noticed "Are you okay?... You do not have to play this one".(Alexie 143). The coach knows that this is where Arnold used to go to school, and he doesn't want Arnold feeling any fear or frustration. Once Arnold sees his parents he knows that he could not turn around, and let them down. Because the rez fans have been saying mean things to them too. Once he walked onto court the crowd stopped cheering, and they turned their backs on him  "my fellow tribal members saw me and all stopped cheering. "(Alexie 143). As the old rez kids becomes Arnold's enemy, his teammates also support Arnold by laughing along with him at the silly behavior of the rez kids. After Arnold gets abused by the fans he gets his dad's friend Eugene to stitch up his forehead, but when he finally gets another chance to get in the game Rowdy knocks him out, and this time Arnold goes to the hospital because of a concussion. Coach comes to stay with him and later stays the whole night. He helps him stay awake, and comforts him. The coach shows much respect for Arnold's commitment towards playing basketball, even though he regretted putting him in the game. Overall Arnold feels as if he is connected to Reardon after the crazy game.

#6 - Question 1 - "How did Junior make the basketball team? In what ways was this related to his conversation with his dad earlier? (Zoey L.)

How did Junior make the basketball team? In what ways was this related to his conversation with his dad earlier?

Junior makes the basketball team not by his skill, but with his determination to not give up. Junior gets knocked over many times during tryouts, but he keeps getting up and trying again, instead of taking a break from getting beaten up and not making the team. “Ninety percent of me wanted to take the break. But I knew that if I took that break I would never make the team,” (Alexie, 140). Earlier, Junior’s dad tells him that in order to make the basketball team, he had to believe in himself, to believe that he could make the team. “You have to dream big to get big,” (Alexie, 136). Junior makes the basketball team by believing in himself and not giving up, making him one of the best players on the team.

2. Who is the first game against? How is he treated by the crowd at the first game? How does the team (and coach) react/support him? How does this impact him? (Amaiah M.)

Arnold's first game was against was the team on his reservation. When his is on the court the are booing him and saying “Arnold sucks!” this impacts him when he is getting ready for the game. Arnold gets so mad and worked up the beings to cry. But he manages to get up and start playing with the support and love of his team. When he is playing he gets hit in the forehead with a quarter that was thrown by the crowd. He starts bleeding, this is worrying because of the condition that he has. His uncle Eugene comes and he stitched it up and he starts playing again. They were losing, Arnold scores a few more points. Then his friend Rowdy knocks him unconscious and Arnold is rushed to the hospital. This is when he realizes something big. It's how much the surrounding people care about him and see so much potential he has in his life “It's perfect for you. I've never met anybody as committed as you.” His Coach says something he had been too blind to hear from Mr. P is that he is gonna be someone special and he is going to change the world. This game has shown him that leaving the reservation school and going to Reardan. And that some people are going to hate him for his success and that he found his hope. This realization deeply impacted the way he views himself and his life.

5) 1. Explore the irony of the discussion about Thanksgiving.(Katie C)

Thanksgiving for the Indians is ironic because Thanksgiving was a sign of alliance which was then broken and the Indians are thankful that they are not dead despite their hopeless life. In the beginning of “Thanksgiving”, Junior explains that it is funny that Indians still celebrate Thanksgiving, the holiday of being thankful. During the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims and the Indians were best friends. It is ironic because three years after the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims were shooting the Indians.The Indians are celebrating a lost alliance with the Pilgrims. When Junior asks his dad what Indians have to be thankful for, his dad says “‘We should give thanks that they didn’t kill all of us’”(Alexie 102). The fact that they are thankful that they are alive is ironic because the Indians don’t have hope. Without hope, the Indians are not living, there is no room for a better future. In a sense, the Indians are not living and are being thankful for being in poverty and having hopelessness which means Indians Are thankful for a broken life. The fact that Thanksgiving is  a celebration of a broken alliance and a gratitude towards having a broken and impoverished life shows how thanksgiving is ironic

#5 2. Explain/explore Junior’s interaction with Rowdy’s dad. What are the implications? And what does Junior resolve/decide. (Tia A)

Junior goes to Rowdy’s house on Thanksgiving because he misses his friend. Rowdy’s dad answers the door drunk. Junior gives him a cartoon to give to Rowdy. Instead of realizing that Junior is trying to reach out to his friend and fix their friendship, Rowdy’s dad calls the cartoon gay and also calls Junior gay. This shows that Rowdy’s dad is the stereotypical drunk indian on the reservation and this helps Junior realize why his friend is always angry and why he acts the way he does. Junior sees Rowdy in the window as he’s walking away. Rowdy gives him the finger after Junior waves to him, but he never tears up the cartoon. This gives Junior hope that he still cares about him. Knowing how physically violent Rowdy can get, by not ripping the cartoon, we can assume that he does care about Junior and misses him. Junior walks away feeling a little better knowing that his friendship is not completely lost.

#5 5. What does Arnold hide and ultimately reveal in “Dance Dance Dance?” What does he learn? Be sure to discuss the final sentence on page 129. (Sofia C.)

In “Dance, Dance, Dance” Arnold tries to hide the fact that he is poor, but this secret gets discovered. After Penelope finds out that he is poor she tries to help him. Arnold realizes that he can actually get help from others and he doesn’t have to keep to himself all the time. “If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing”(Alexie 129). He learns that if you tell people something instead of trying to hide it they can fix it or at least help a little bit. Just like how when Penelope figured out that he was poor, she actually helped him by getting him a ride home when he didn’t have transportation. He also learns that even if he is embarrassed by his poverty, the experience is what counts. “She’d had so much fun that a photograph of the evening was completely beside the point” (Alexie 123). Arnold was worrying about not being able to buy Penelope anything, but she didn’t seem to care after she realized how much fun they had. This shows that not everybody is going to judge him just because he doesn’t have money, and sometimes it is okay to ask for help.

#4 Blog Post Question 2 Describe how Penelope treats Junior – provide two specific examples. How does this relationship contribute to Junior’s understanding of himself/his identity?

Junior likes Penelope but she doesn't feel the same way about him so this changes how she acts towards and around him. She also has a high status as "queen" of Rearden and she thinks that it would hurt her reputation as a "popular person to hang out with a "nerd" An example of this is after Junior punches Roger who is the "king" of Rearden so Penelope has to act as if she is hurt and she pushes Junior away even though she was the only person nice to him on the first day. "Do I know you?" (73 Alexie) This shows that people can change in the blink of an eye according to their social status. It even happens at our school. Penelope one day is being nice to Junior and then one punch later she pretends that she doesn't know him. This contributes to the way Junior feels about himself because now he feels as if he is a pawn on this giant chess board being told what he can and can not do and who he can and can not talk to. This is how Penelope ignoring Junior affects the way he feels about himself.

#4 - 3) On pages 82-84, Junior explains how alone he feels. Why does he feel this way? How does what happens in science class reinforce this feeling? (Connie Y.)

Junior tells the reader that he feels alone, mainly because Rowdy, his childhood best friend, isn’t there for him. At home on the reservation, Rowdy had always been the person to stand up and protect Junior from the other Indians. For example, when the Andruss brothers had teased and beat up Junior, Rowdy took revenge on them by cutting off one of their most prized possessions, their hair. Junior’s feelings are reinforced in science class when he states a fact arguing against the teacher’s lesson, making Mr. Dodge furious; but when another classmate, Gordy, agrees with him, the teacher is irritated that Junior was correct and then goes on by giving the credit to Gordy. Junior felt even more alone after class. “Thanks for sticking up for me back there. For telling Dodge the truth.” “I didn’t do it for you,” Gordy said. “I did it for science.” (Alexie 87). While Junior thought originally that finally someone stood up for him just like Rowdy would, Gordy simply denies that it was for him and only tries to stay as far apart from the new poor Indian kid as possible, just like the other kids at Rearden. Junior feels alone because he needs someone that can support him just like Rowdy did back on the reservation, but can’t seem to connect with anyone, even though he is trying to make friends like Gordy.

4. 4. Explain the significance/importance of the friendship with Gordy for Junior. (Liv Y.)

Junior and Gordy's relationship means a lot to Junior because he is lonely, and Gordy is teaching him new things. "It was the loneliest time of my life." (Alexie, 83) says Junior. His only friend Rowdy had ended their friendship, and Junior is all alone at Reardan. However, in science class, Gordy sticks up for Junior by saying ""Uh, actually... Arnold is right about petrified wood. That's what happens."" (Alexie, 86). Junior realizes he isn't as lonely as he thought, and that means a lot to him. Even though they don't tell each other their darkest secrets like Rowdy and Junior did, they still grow to be close friends. Gordy also opens up Junior's eyes to other things too. He tells him that ""The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don't know."" (Alexie, 97). Gordy teaches Junior how to study and read as well. Gordy teaches Junior new things and becomes his only friend, which is why he is so important to Junior.

#3-5. Respond to one of the quotes to note. Please identify, speaker, interlocutor, context, and significance (Sofi P.)

The quote I have chosen to respond to from "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie is "My best friend has become my worst enemy" (Alexie 53).  This quote was said by Junior to his audience (the readers) as a thought in his mind. It was said after Junior told his best friend, Rowdy, that he would be transferring to the hopeful school of Rearden. Rowdy did not take the news well, and it resulted in Junior receiving a bruised eye and a bloody nose. This quote is very significant to this story because it demonstrates how largely Junior's decision of transferring schools will affect him. Rowdy, despite being very aggressive and willing to fight anything, would never hurt  Junior. "I could tell he wanted to hurt me for laughing. But I am his friend, his best friend, his only friend. He couldn't hurt me" (Alexie 20). Because Junior will transfer schools, his best friend of fourteen years does hurt him. Junior isn't even supported by his best friend anymore, no matter how long or how much they've had each others backs. No matter how strong their friendship may have been. If something this important and stable in Juniors life can change so drastically and quickly, what can Junior rely on for support?

In Junior’s mind, what is a “real Indian”? How does this impact him?(Colin,Michna)

                  In Juniors mind a "real Indian" is someone who lives in the forest unlike the people in the reservation. Junior wishes he could live in that way though he believes that he never will. When junior first arrives at Reardan High School for his first day, he is treated like someone who is abnormal, and kids start to stare at him since he is the only Indian student at the school. While junior is waiting for school to start, he thinks about living like a "real Indian"“go live in the woods like a hermit. Like a real Indian" (Alexie, 58). Junior strongly believes that the people on the reservation are not truly Indians. He reacts to all these thoughts and opinions by having little self-esteem as shown here."“Since I was allergic to pretty much every plant that grew on earth, I would have been a real Indian with a head full of snot" (Alexie, 58) This Quote further proves my point, that after he has insulted others he slowly starts to do the same to himself. Because of this, he has a hard time accepting that he is who he is, and that it will never change. With this comes the fact wich many people have stated to junior, The Fact that to be anything in life you need to embrace who you are and try to be the best he can be, and that nothing can hold you back. Similar to the thoughts of Mr. P. Finaly Juniors thoughts affect him in different ways but the thought that gets to him the most is that he will never truly be a "real Indian."

#3 4. Name/ explain three issues/ hurdles Junior encounters in his transition to Reardan. (Saffy)

Junior encounters three main challenges because of race and betrayal in his transition to Reardan. When Junior tells Rowdy of his plan to transfer to Reardan, Rowdy doesn’t believe him. When he realises that Junior is telling the truth, he is enraged, Rowdy couldn’t believe that Junior was betraying his tribe and his best friend to go to the school full of white children. Rowdy especially does not like Reardan because the school he goes to tries to beat them in sports and educational competitions, but they never succeed. Being the only Native American person in Reardan, Junior finds it hard to fit in. He is stared at, and teased about his name. Junior says, “Those white kids couldn’t believe their eyes. They stared at me like I was Bigfoot or a UFO. What was I doing at Reardan” (Alexie, 56). Junior obviously feels out of place at Reardan, and he is treated like an alien. Junior is called stereotypical names like “Chief” and “Sitting Bull” (Alexie, 63) by his peers at Reardan. He lets them call him names, but Junior knows that eventually he is going to have to fight, and probably lose, to try to get them to stop calling him names. Junior is not intimidated by fighting his bullies, because he has been in many before, but he they will crush him. He quotes “I was afraid those monsters would kill me. And I don’t mean “kill” as in “metaphor.” I mean “kill” as in “beat me to death” (Alexie, 66). Although Junior has a rough transition, he continues attending Reardan in his search for hope.

3. 3. Why is Junior hesitant to tell Rowdy? Why does he tell him? How does Rowdy react? Why does he react this way? Jacob Schuster

Junior is hesitant to tell Rowdy that he is transferring to Reardon because he thinks that Rowdy will get very mad or might accuse him of betraying the community. The people on the reservation compete with Reardon and don’t like the kids there because they are white and and more privileged than themselves. Eventually, Junior tells Rowdy that he wants to transfer and tries to persuade him to come with him because Rowdy is his best and only friend. After Junior tells Rowdy, Rowdy first thinks that Junior is lying or kidding, but when he realizes that Junior is saying the truth, he gets very mad. Rowdy says, “I don’t even drive through that town, what makes you think I want to go to school there?” (Alexie 49) Rowdy reacts this way because he thinks of Reardon as a racist place in a racist town.

2. 3.Interpret/explore/explain the context and the significance of the quote “Every white person on this res should get smashed in the face. But let me tell you this. All the Indians should get smashed in the face, too.” (42)

Mr. P's actions and what he said to Arnold may have been a little more personal than the usual teacher would. The reason he wasn't so mad about this is because he has a guilty conscience. "I hurt a lot of Indian kids when I was a young teacher," he said. "I might have broken a few bones." (Alexie 30). Sometimes we let people get away with things because we have a guilty conscious of our own. What he says here is that he may have helped people strip away their culture. But in some ways staying on that reservation was stripping their own culture away from them. "It was a different time," Mr. P said. "A bad time. Very bad. It was wrong. But I was young and stupid and full of ideas. Just like you." (Alexie 30) Some ways they were choosing not to have dreams they were choosing to be poor and some odd and strange way they were to blame. In the story so far I have heard so many accusations against white people. Yes, they've done things to be on comprehensible to the human mind. Yes, they did start the suffering of many and mostly Native Americans throughout history. Poverty, systematic oppression, and even alcoholism is all white people's fault. Make it seem like they don't have a choice but to stay on the reservation but that is completely untrue. Everyone in their life is given a choice and opportunity. “After high school, my sister just froze. Didn't go to college, didn't get a job. Didn't do anything. Kind of sad, I guess.” (Alexie 22) No one told them that you have to stay with your tribe no one is holding you back from your dreams, but you. I think Mr. P shows that even people with privilege have problems too. It's important to realize that part of the people to blame are themselves.

#2. 2. What is Mr. P’s advice to Junior? Why does he give this advice? (Adrian M.-P.)

Mr. P’s advice to Junior was to leave the rez forever, as he knew Junior had hope and the only thing holding him back was the rez. Mr. P and Junior are discussing the opportunity Junior has and the choices Junior should think about making. “No, I mean you have to leave the rez forever”(Alexie 42). When Mr. P comes to Juniors house, he explains to Junior that he has hope and hasn’t given up like the rest of the people on the rez. “You're going to find more and more hope the further you walk away from this sad, sad, sad reservation” (Alexie 43). Junior knows that leaving home would be hard to do but get him closer to letting his name be known.  To Arnold, giving himself an opportunity to be great is getting him one step closer to his dream. He knows it will be hard because of his mental and physical differences, let alone him being a reservation Indian trapped in a “never” ending  cycle of poverty. In a sense, it is only the beginning of Juniors Journey as hope will grow the further he goes away from home.

#2 2. What is Mr. P's advice to Junior? Why does he give this advice?

What is Mr. P’s advice to Junior? Why does he give this advice?

Mr. P’s piece of advice to Junior is to leave the reservation. He gives this advice to Junior because he can’t stand watching all these kids with dreams and potential give up anymore. The sad reservation that all these kids are living on is why they are giving up. “You’re going to find more and more hope the farther and farther you walk away from this sad, sad, sad reservation,” (Alexie, 43). All of these kids, including Junior’s sister and classmates, and even his parents, have given up because of this reservation. The reservation is why all of the hopes of these kids have left them, and Mr. P wants to prevent that from happening to Junior.

What is Mr. P’s advice to Junior? Why does he give this advice?

The advice that Mr.P gives Junior is that he has to leave the rez so he wont give up hope. Everyone on this rez has given up hope. " All these kids have given up, all your friends all the bullies and their mothers and fathers". (Alexie 42).  Alexie provided this quote to show, that it is not to late for him to become successful and have hope for his dreams. Also do not give up just because your on a rez and everyone else around you has given up.  What Mr. P is trying to get at Juniour is that he is a special and intelligent kid that has ability's that nobody at the rez has so he should take those ability's into use and leave rez to have a better and more successful carrer.

#1 1. Examine the cartoon on page 12. What is the relationship between poverty and dreams? (Katie C)

The relationship between poverty and dreams is that poverty ruins dreams. In “Why Chicken Means So Much to Me” Arnold explains that their family is in poverty. When Arnold talks about his parents’ dreams, he states that they dreamed about becoming “something other than poor, but they never got the chance to be anything because nobody paid attention to their dreams” (Alexie 11). Since they were poor, no one paid attention to their dreams. Arnold explains, “You start believing you're poor because you're stupid and ugly” (13). Poverty ruined the dreams of Arnold parents’ and Arnold later states “It’s an ugly circle and there’s nothing you can do about it” (13). The Indian’s dreams are hopeless with this endless circle. Poverty drags the hopes and dreams of the Indians on the rez making them lose hope for a better future.

#2. What is “absolutely the saddest thing in the world” (31)? Explain why Junior says this and the implication. (Tia A)

#2. What is “absolutely the saddest thing in the world” (31)? Explain why Junior says this and the implication. (Tia A)

Junior doesn’t feel as if he is being given the opportunity to receive a good education. Junior is excited about his first year of highschool and can't wait to start the year, but he is quickly disappointed. What upsets Junior is that his geometry book is the same one that his mom used when she was in school. He says “That is absolutely the saddest thing in the world” (Alexie 31). He was hoping to get a good education because he wants to get off of the reservation one day. This old book is a symbol of the poverty and inequality that takes place on the reservation vs. the outside world, and Junior knows it. This is why he feels that the whole world is against him, “What do you do when the world has declared nuclear war on you?” (Alexie 31). How can he get off the reservation when everything around him is holding him back? It would be a very difficult thing for him to do, and this is why most people never leave. The vicious cycle of poverty and lack of education continues. This is why he feels that he is not getting the same education as people off the reservation.

#1. Why does Junior say, "it sucks to be poor..." (13)? What does "poverty teach you (13)? Explain. (Sofia C)

   
#1. Why does Junior say, "it sucks to be poor..." (13)? What does "poverty teach you (13)? Explain. (Sofia C)


        Junior thinks that being poor can't teach you anything except for being hopeless and not expecting good things in life. Junior is thinking about all the bad things that come out of being poor, and how there are so many set backs that come with it. He feels that being poor has made his dreams and beloved family members go away. Junior believes that poverty is "an ugly circle and there's nothing you can do about it"(Alexie 13). It makes him feel hopeless and want to give up in all dreams that can actually be accomplished. It also gives him a mindset that tells him that since he is poor he is just not good enough. "It sucks to be poor, and it sucks to feel that you somehow deserve to be poor" (Alexie 13). It teaches him that he isn't good enough. Junior feels that since he has certain qualities like having a stutter he deserves to be poor. When he thinks that he should be poor he just starts believing that there is nothing that he can do about it. For Junior poverty teaches him how to give up more and how to doubt himself.

Welcome to our class blog!