how does the absolutely true diary of a part time indian portray gender identity through different characters, give relevant evidence from the novel and their chapters

Answer 1

In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, gender identity is portrayed through various characters in the novel. Here are three examples of how the novel explores gender identity through these characters and relevant evidence from the chapters:

1. Junior/Arnold Spirit Jr. - The protagonist, Arnold Spirit Jr., often challenges traditional gender norms and expectations throughout the story. In Chapter 4, Junior describes his father as a "big, tough, strong guy" who shows limited emotions, which contrasts with his own sensitiveness. Additionally, when Junior becomes a basketball player, he mentions feeling like he is breaking gender stereotypes by participating in a sport that is typically associated with masculinity. For instance, in Chapter 19, Junior says, "I used to be the lowest Indian on the reservation totem pole - I wasn't expected to be good at anything. But ... I was also the lowest white kid in my class, so I wasn't expected to be good at anything there, either."

2. Rowdy - Rowdy, Junior's best friend, displays a complicated relationship with his gender identity. Rowdy is raised in a highly toxic masculine environment, which is evident in his abusive father's behavior. In Chapter 18, Rowdy talks about how his father encourages him to fight and expresses his father's view on violence saying, "He says that fighting is the only thing that makes him feel alive. He says that's why he loves Mom so much. Because she fights back." The influence of his father's beliefs impacts Rowdy's understanding of his own masculinity and how he relates to others.

3. Penelope - Penelope is one of the female characters in the novel who challenges gender stereotypes by being assertive, intelligent, and open-minded. In Chapter 20, Junior describes Penelope as the smartest girl in the school and says, "She has the best grades in the ninth grade. She sometimes beats me on tests." Penelope's intellect and her ability to compete with Junior academically break societal expectations of male dominance in intelligence. Her character challenges the notion that girls are less capable than boys and highlights the strength of her gender identity.

Overall, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" portrays gender identity through characters like Junior, Rowdy, and Penelope, showing how each character navigates societal expectations and challenges traditional gender stereotypes in their own unique ways.