Fight For The Part-Time Indian

2132 Words5 Pages

Alex Ren Professor Frater ENL 003 9 June 2024 A Fight for the Self and Beyond In examining the implementation of juxtaposition, symbolism, and metaphors, this paper will discuss the implications of necessity, perseverance, and courage in combating cultural and societal barriers that impede the development of self-identity, as depicted in Sherman Alexie’s novel, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”. The story presents the necessity of rejecting cultural restrictions in seeking independence and shifting societal stereotypes to bridge the gap between different people. Courage is the step to be taken in breaking cultural barriers and facing society’s imperfections, while perseverance is the driving force needed to push for social change. …show more content…

The metaphors of Junior “rising on the shoulders of [his] dead grandmother and Eugene” and “rising on [his] mother and father’s hopes” serve to indicate that Junior relieves himself of the attachment to his people and Rowdy in this very moment, free of his guilt for leaving them, and most importantly, free to establish himself as a figure that represents the coinciding of two different cultures. The insertion of metaphors throughout the novel ultimately conveys that courage is an imperative attribute in establishing personal identity and resisting external influences. The recurring idea of perseverance as a key part in the struggle against cultural and societal barriers throughout the novel is conveyed by the prevalence of symbolism. Towards the beginning, Mr. P has a talk with Junior to discuss the meaning of Junior’s action of throwing a book at him, and urges Junior to leave the Rez for the better, “‘You've been fighting since you were born,’ he said. You fought off that brain surgery. You fought off those seizures, you fought off all the drunks and drug addicts. You kept your hope …show more content…

The use of symbolism overall serves to emphasize unwavering strength in concordance with individualism and the motive for change. All in all, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie, explores the hindrance that culture and societal stereotypes pose to the development of identity, and the inner drive and strength required to combat them. Through juxtaposition, the story conveys that defying the external influences of culture and confronting social expectations, and making difficult sacrifices is significant in achieving social change. The creative implementation of metaphors emphasizes the value of courage in attaining the strength to be confident in one’s personal identity and resist the negativity posed by cultural and social norms. The widespread usage of symbolism portrays the significance of persevering through cultural and societal barriers and holding out hope to develop one’s identity. With all that being said, people must rely on their own judgment and knowledge of the outside world to validate and develop their own identity, and further aid in establishing a fair and balanced

Open Document