The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Alexie's explores the impact of historic racism and racial injustice on the present. The novel delves into the life of Arnold Spirit Jr., a Native American teenager, living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Through Arnold's experiences, Alexie examines the lasting effects of racism and injustice on individuals and communities. This essay will argue that the novel conveys the profound impact of historic racism and racial injustice on the present by examining three pivotal events: the death of Arnold's sister Mary Spirit, the death of Grandmother Spirit, and Arnold's discovery that his geometry textbook had been owned by his mother.
To begin with, the death of Arnold's sister Mary Spirit highlights the tragic consequences of racism and its lasting effects. Mary's death is a result of inadequate medical care on the reservation, a direct consequence of historical marginalization and discrimination. Arnold reflects on this by stating, "white people have to wonder what it's like to be Indian; we do not have to wonder, we know exactly what it is like to be Indian. How can we forgive them for taking away all of our grandparents?" (Alexie, 160). This passage illustrates the intergenerational trauma caused by historic racism and how it continues to impact the present. Mary's death is not isolated but represents a larger pattern of injustice faced by Native Americans. By connecting Mary's death to the broader issue of healthcare disparities, Alexie underscores the long-lasting impact of historic racism on the present.
Additionally, the death of Grandmother Spirit further emphasizes the lasting effects of racism. Grandmother Spirit's passing symbolizes the loss of ancestral knowledge and cultural heritage. Arnold describes her as "a library filled with books that were never written," highlighting the missed opportunity for future generations to learn from her wisdom (Alexie, 67). The loss of Grandmother Spirit signifies the erasure of traditional practices and values due to historical injustices. Alexie accurately depicts how the painful legacy of racism robs individuals and communities of their cultural identity, leaving them disconnected from their roots. Through Grandmother Spirit's death, the novel conveys the profound loss experienced by Native communities and the ongoing struggle to reclaim and preserve their heritage.
Lastly, Arnold's discovery that his geometry textbook had been owned by his mother reveals how racism perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage. Upon finding his mother's name in the textbook, Arnold says, "My mother was born thirty years before the Civil Rights Act, after the Indian Reorganization Act, during the summer that my grandmother was shot trying to keep a white man from stealing her car" (Alexie, 121). This passage underscores how systemic racism prevented Arnold's mother from accessing quality education. It also exemplifies how the consequences of historical racism echo through the generations, as Arnold is forced to confront the same educational barriers faced by his mother. This event highlights the enduring impact of historic racism on individuals and emphasizes the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
In conclusion, Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian powerfully conveys the impact of historic racism and racial injustice on the present. Through the deaths of Arnold's sister Mary Spirit and Grandmother Spirit, as well as Arnold's discovery about his mother's education, the novel illustrates the profound and enduring effects of historic racism on individuals and communities. Alexie's work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing the legacy of racism to create a more equitable future.
. A theme-based essay question
Write a formal literature academic essay, based on evidence from the novel in which you offer an argument on the following topic. What does Alexi's (2007) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian have to say about the impact of historic racism and racial injustice on the present? Your essay must engage at least three events from the novel to support your point. These events might include the death of Arnold's sister Mary Spirit, the death of Grandmother Spirit, the death of Uncle Eugene, Arnold's discovery that his geometry textbook had been owned by his mother, or other events.
The essay introduction must include background information about the novel, a thesis statement and a clear roadmap from the information provided
1 answer