The+Absolutely+True+Diary+of+a+Part-Time+Indian



by Sherman Alexie

Ryan McA Frank C Bryce S Keith M Bart G Paul E Sam K Marshall B Mike B Julie J* Liz Y*
 * Discussion Time:** 4W, Friday January 14, 10:55-12:25
 * Group Members:**

Sherman Alexie-Humourous commentary on his book http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202083-3

The story is set in the present at Spokane Indian Reservation and Reardan High School of eastern Washington.
 * Setting**

Arnold (Junior) - 14 year old Native American boy. Living on an Indian reservation. Likes playing basketball Rowdy - 14 year old Native American boy. Living on indian reservation. Arnolds best friend since birth. Likes basketball. Dysfunctional family. Hard-knock. Roger - Arnold's friend at Rearden, sports superstar. Gives rides to Arnold Arnold's Parents- Protective mother and alcoholic father of Arnold. Both nice and caring. Never pursued their dreams. Impoverished, stuck on the rez. Mary -Arnold's sister. Basement dweller, writer. No aspirations. Runs away to Montana. Gordy- Arnold's newfound white friend at Rearden. Nerdy. Sticks up for Arnold against misinformed/mildly racist teacher. Acts as a mentor and good friend to Arnold. Penelope- Arnold's dream-girl at Rearden. Distant relationship. Eventually they grow closer. Bulimic. Wants to help others. Eugene- Happy alcoholic best friend of Arnold's dad. Gives Arnold a sense of pride when they ride to school together on the motorcycle. Tribe EMT, nice guy, large impact on Arnold's life. Shameful death. Grandma- Arnold's go-to girl. Wise and full of advice. Miss Warren- was the counselor who told Arnold his Sister died.
 * Characters:**

Friendship-Arnold has many friends that help him get through his rough life. Rowdy will protect him from anyone. Makes multiple friends at Rearden including Penelope, who ups his social appearance. He's friends with Roger and anyone on the basketball team. He has Eugene to help him with academics and will stand up for him. Cultural Identity- Constantly repeat the stereotype of Indians being alcoholics. Sexuality- Hope- Mr. P. tells Arnold that he has to leave the reservation because he has a future due to his intelligence. There is a drawing on page 43 showing what he will have if he stays on the reservation, versus what the possibilities would be if he left. American Dream- If you work hard and are good at something you will get rewarded (basketball). Feel Blame/ Guilt- Junior feels guilty for the death of his sister because he inspired her to leave the reservation. Racism-the deaths of the Grandmother and Eugene are killed because of drunk driving. A stereotype that Indians are addicted to alcohol.
 * Themes:**

Basketball- One of Arnold's ways of interacting with the white community of Rearden. Gives him something to enjoy and compete in. Girls/Sexuality- Indian® Motor Cycle-proud cultural identifier or a subtle stereotype/insult?
 * Symbols/Motifs:**

Why does Arnold get so mad at Mr. P for giving them old books? How does Arnold's brain problem affect his ability to play sports? What parts of the book are true and not true regarding the Sherman Alexie?
 * Clarifying Questions**

Cartoons - Uses cartoons to show stereotypes of Indians. Also to show how Arnold expresses himself.
 * Style of Writing**

Narrator - Junior is the narrator to see the book through his point of view.

"Ninety percent of me wanted to take the break. But I knew if I took that break I would never make the team. 'I'll take him on again,'" (140) "Hey, look, one of them said. It's 'Hydro Head.' 'Nah, he ain't Hydro.' said another one of the brothers. 'He's Hydrogen" "All these kids have given up...But not you. You can't give up. You won't give up." - Mr. P. discussing the matter of leaving the reservation to get a better life with Junior. [|nytimes]
 * Significant Passages**
 * Outside Resources**

[|wiki]

[|short summary of the setting]