In the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, Junior, the main character, has a revelation about his victory that makes him weep.
After joining the Reardan High School basketball team, Junior and his team end up playing against his former school, Wellpinit, on the reservation. During the crucial final moments of the game, Junior is determined to win and prove himself. With only seconds left, Junior scores the winning shot for Reardan, leading them to victory over his former teammates.
However, his moment of triumph is tainted by sorrow and tears because he realizes the true cost of his victory. Junior realizes that in order to succeed, he had to betray his own community, his friends, and his tribe. The victory symbolizes the breaking of ties with his heritage and the pain of leaving behind the familiar social circle of his people. Junior weeps because he has overpoweringly conflicting emotions - pride and guilt for winning the game against his own people. This moment highlights the complexity of his identity and the difficult choices he has to make as a young Native American boy trying to navigate the world.
What revelation does Junior have about his victory, and why does it make him weep? in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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