Why does Junior compare Coach to Eugene during Coach’s pep talk? What does Junior mean when he says, “So many ghosts” (page 188)? in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Answer 1

In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior compares Coach to Eugene during Coach's pep talk because both Coach and Eugene are individuals who are often underestimated and undervalued by others. Junior references Eugene, who is a Native American student at Reardan High School, and describes how Eugene is constantly seen as the stereotypical "drunk Indian" despite being a smart and talented student. By comparing Coach to Eugene, Junior highlights the irony of Eugene's situation and how unfair it is that people judge others based on stereotypes.

When Junior says, "So many ghosts" on page 188, he is referring to the numerous obstacles and challenges that he and his Native American community face. These "ghosts" symbolize the struggles, traumas, and hardships that have haunted Native Americans for generations, such as poverty, alcoholism, and discrimination. The phrase emphasizes the overwhelming presence and impact of these issues on Junior's life and the lives of others in his community.