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.
I agree that Junior and Gordy's friendship means a lot to Junior, especially because Junior needs a friend to help him transition into this new school/community. Junior is having a tough time making friends at Reardand, so he really needs this friendship so he has someone to turn to when he needs help. This friendship is especially crucial to Junior because he just lost his best friend.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Liv, but additionally I think that Gordy is teaching Junior to not give up and to stick with something until the very end. Junior is contemplating how Gordy has helped him when he says “but he made me realize that hard work- that the act of finishing, of completing, of accomplishing a task- is joyous”(Alexie 98). Gordy showed Junior that it is important to finish things, even if along the way he might want to give up. He taught him to keep trying to get to that finish line. He also taught him to keep doing what he loves to do and what he thinks he should do. He tells Junior that since he loves to draw and since he enjoys it he should keep doing it. He shows him how not to doubt himself.
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