Frances Bowles Post 2

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In my opinion The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was written very well. Throughout the novel it made me wonder whether or not it was a true story because, Alexie's ability to write from the point of view of a teenaged boy made it seem as though he experienced not only the details given about Arnold's life and relationships but the emotions as well; for example, laughing after finding out his sister died. The way Alexie describes Arnold's feelings about losing his grandmother, his father's best-friend, and his sister has to be one of the most honest interpretations of grief. Arnold's reaction to his sister's death, previously mentioned, is real and defines what it means to laugh to keep from crying.While reading, I couldn't help but wonder why Rowdy was his best friend. Its true that Rowdy was taking his anger out on other people as his father did to him, but did Arnold really belittle himself enough to the point where he didn't think he deserved a good friend?; however, the story is relate-able because, everyone has felt the need to want to better themselves and their surroundings, family relationships may not be the best, and self doubt/low self esteem, as well as bulimia are everyday problems and situations. 

I agree with Alexie's portrayal of adolescence, Arnold is innocent yet adventurous, self conscience, and wants to be liked and accepted by not only white people but Indians as well. Self doubt is one of the many issues that adolescents face and is shown throughout the novel, "Reardan was the opposite of the rez. It was the opposite of my family. It was the opposite of me. I didn't deserve to be there. I knew it..." (56).

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 30, 2016 at 5:39 PM

    INCORPORATING A QUOTE! I LOVE IT. To answer what feels like an unasked question, the story is partially true. Alexie states that 78% of his book is based on an autobiography. So many of these reactions and emotions are genuine to his life's story.
    Also to note, everybody handles grief differently. Some laugh at their pain, some cry, and some do much worse. I also at times wondered why Rowdy was his friend as well, but looking through the text, it does state that Rowdy was very good to him for the most part. He never really hit him, or hurt him intentionally. He was just a rough kid with a rough personality. I don't think Arnold ever had the self respect or self confidence to realize that he didn't deserve a better friend. Nor did I think he had much of an option, as people tended to stray away from him in the Rez.

    You're definitely right about the themes of the novel. Self doubt is a major qualified theme.

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