Analysis Of Louise Erdrich's The Red Convertible

Analysis of Louise Erdrich’s, “The Red Convertible”.

The Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich (Erdrich 134-140) is a story of lost youth and innocence told through the eyes of a brother powerless to help. The title itself invokes imagery of youth and freedom. In the beginning one might think that this story is about Lyman, the narrator, who tells this story in the first person point of view. However, as the story unfolds the reader is allowed to see that the focus is not truly Lyman (himself), but the loss and struggle of his older brother, Henry Junior. Like Lyman, Henry begins a happy, carefree young man. Nevertheless, we see him transform into a beaten man with no hope. This is done mostly through the author’s use of symbolic imagery of the “The Red Convertible”.

Throughout this short story the use of metaphors and symbolic imagery allows the reader to feel what Lyman, the narrator feels as the story unfolds. In the very first paragraph, where the characters are introduced we are given a horrific view of what is to come. The narrator tells us henry will meet

Lyman tells the reader that Henry’s face is “more peaceful” (139). The Red River is known to the boys, after growing up in the area, Henry knows the water will not only be high, but also full of the winter trash. He tells Lyman that “It’s no use” (189) and that he is giving him the car. Henry knows he will not being going home with Lyman tonight. After Henry jumps in to the river he calmly states “my boots are filling” (140) before he goes under the last time. Lyman is frantic and goes in after him. However, once out of the river we see his resolve when he “walks “ to the car. He cannot continue to search the water for his brother, so he sends the one link they will always have, the car. The car lights still search even as it goes under the