An Analysis Of Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie is novel that provokes a perceptive view through a Spokane Indian boy. Arnold Spirit Jr, the main character is on the hunt to better his future despite the tease for his medical conditions and deformities. Arnold lives on a reservation filled with lost hope, it is common to see a drunk, addicts, and abusers. But these are Arnold's least worries when he makes the life-changing decision to leave school on the reservation to attend Rearden. The backlash Arnold receives from his tribe of the reservation is unimaginable. Junior's identity develops through his experiences, interactions, and interests.
To begin, Arnold faces with the struggle of identity at Rearden

when he meets a girl Penelope and introduces himself as "Junior". The problem arises when the teacher takes attendance and calls his name as "Arnold Spirit. " Penelope is irate that Junior has lain to her. Junior goes on to say to himself, " I felt like two different people inside of one body. No, I felt like a magician slicing myself in half, with Junior living on the north side of the Spokane River and Arnold living on the south. " (Alexie 60) Junior hits a reality check which marks the struggle for identity. Junior is baffled by this dispute for identity.
To continue, Junior meets Gordy, the school genius. Junior and Gordy share many interests and are quick to become friends. They learn they both have the title of social outcasts. From Junior's experiences, he expresses his situation by saying, " …life is a constant struggle between being a man or woman and being a member of the community. " (Alexie 132) By sacrificing his acceptance from his community, he becomes an outcast at Wellpinit, but a respected student at Rearden. Junior has hope for a better life he chooses not to just dream it but meet it.
Furthermore, Junior challenges identity throughout his experiences in the book. Junior's identity is important to him because he wants to keep true to himself. Junior quotes, "I was a Spokane Indian. I belonged to the tribe of American immigrants. And to the tribe of basketball players. And to the tribe of bookworms. "(Alexie 217) Junior's message is that his race and the background does not define him as a man. Junior wants it known he belongs to multiple groups.
All in all, since attending Rearden, Junior's development of identity is clear. Junior has gained a sense of hope, empathy, and wisdom which allows him to self-improve. Junior keeps the same wit and humor constant throughout the novel. He learns quick that his identity is important to get where he wants to go. Hardship is everywhere but as long as you are willing to act and take responsibility for your life you shall overcome it.