Alexi's (2007) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian how does the death of his grandmother Spirit shape Arnold's racial identity and what does this convey aoyt the novel's message regarding identity?

Answer 1

In Alexie's novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," the death of Arnold's grandmother Spirit plays a vital role in shaping his racial identity and reflecting the novel's message regarding identity.

Firstly, the death of Spirit, who was a strong influence on Arnold's life, makes him question his own identity. As a member of the Spokane Indian Reservation, Arnold experiences a deep connection with his cultural roots through his grandmother, who conveys traditional values and wisdom. Her death creates a void in his life, making him realize the fragility of his cultural heritage and forcing him to grapple with his identity. The loss of Spirit forces Arnold to confront the complexities of being both Native American and a member of the wider American society.

Moreover, Spirit's passing highlights the intergenerational trauma experienced by Native Americans due to historical oppression and marginalization. Arnold recognizes that his grandmother's death is not merely a personal loss but also a reflection of the larger struggles his community faces. The novel explores how the historical trauma inflicted upon Native Americans has a lasting impact on their present-day identity. Arnold's realization that Spirit's death is a consequence of systemic racism and poverty propels him to seek a better future off the reservation.

Arnold's decision to leave the reservation and attend an all-white school off the reservation becomes a means for him to negotiate his racial identity. By enrolling in a school filled with white students, Arnold faces hostility and discrimination, creating a conflict between his Native American identity and the pressure to assimilate into the dominant culture. This struggle highlights the complex dynamics of racial identity and the tension between cultural heritage and societal expectations.

Overall, the death of Arnold's grandmother Spirit signifies the loss of cultural roots and the intergenerational trauma faced by Native American communities. It shapes Arnold's racial identity by making him question his place in both Native and non-Native cultures. The novel's message regarding identity suggests that true identity is a multifaceted process defined by personal experiences, historical legacies, and the ongoing negotiation between one's cultural heritage and the larger society's expectations.