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.

Answer 1

Title: The Lingering Shadow of Historic Racism: Examining the Impact in Alexi's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"

Introduction:

Alexi's remarkable novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," encompasses the narrative of Arnold "Junior" Spirit as he navigates a challenging path through racial adversity and historic racism. Through a series of compelling events, the novel delves into how historic racism and racial injustice continue to reverberate in the present, affecting individuals and communities alike. This essay will analyze three significant events from the novel—Mary Spirit's death, Grandmother Spirit's passing, and Arnold's discovery of his mother's former ownership of his geometry textbook—to support the argument that "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" effectively underscores the enduring consequences of the deep-rooted mistreatment faced by marginalized communities.

Body:

Event 1: Mary Spirit's Death

One of the pivotal events in the novel is the devastating loss of Arnold’s sister, Mary Spirit. This tragedy, caused by systemic racism and neglect, unveils the perpetual impact of historic racism on Native American communities. Mary's passing epitomizes how prejudice continues to breed suffering and disrupt the lives of marginalized populations. Alexi portrays Mary's death as a direct consequence of the limited resources and inadequate healthcare available on the reservation, all attributable to the legacy of historic racism.

In the aftermath of Mary's death, Arnold realizes that his sister's life could have been saved if she had access to the better-equipped hospital located in a neighboring white community. This heartrending realization reflects the long-lasting disparities that stem from historic racism. It serves to emphasize the devastating grip of structural inequity that continues to haunt Native American communities, perpetuating suffering and loss.

Event 2: Grandmother Spirit's Passing

The death of Grandmother Spirit further elucidates the enduring impact of historic racism on individuals and communities. Grandmother Spirit's strong sense of identity and connection to her heritage acts as a beacon of resilience and a testament to the endurance of Native American culture despite the weight of historical oppression. Her tragic demise showcases the intergenerational trauma experienced by those who have witnessed or directly encountered racist practices.

Throughout the novel, Grandmother Spirit reminisces about the horrors of the past, recollecting forced displacement, cultural suppression, and experiences of racism. Her stories serve as a reminder that the scars of the past extend into the present, influencing the lives and identities of successive generations. By including this event, Alexi highlights the importance of acknowledging historical injustices as an essential step toward healing and breaking free from their enduring grip.

Event 3: Arnold's Geometry Textbook

Arnold's revelation that his geometry textbook once belonged to his mother presents a poignant commentary on the lasting imprint of historic racism on personal histories. Through this discovery, Arnold becomes aware that his ancestors were denied the opportunities he now possesses. The textbook symbolizes the potential and aspirations curtailed by systemic oppression in the past.

Arnold's mother, prevented from pursuing an education due to entrenched racism, inadvertently passes on her untapped academic dreams to her son through the lifeless pages of a textbook. This event highlights not only the weight of lost opportunities but also serves as a reminder that the present is constructed upon the foundation of the past. The legacy of racism and racial injustice continues to shape the life experiences and trajectories of individuals within marginalized communities.

Conclusion:

Through compelling events such as the deaths of Mary Spirit and Grandmother Spirit, and the discovery of Arnold's mother's indirect influence on his education, Alexi's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" effectively demonstrates the enduring consequences of historic racism and racial injustice. The novel emphasizes how the past shadows the present, perpetuating systemic disadvantages for marginalized communities. By shedding light on these themes, Alexi calls upon readers to acknowledge and confront the deep-rooted inequities that persist, working towards a future marked by justice, equality, and healing.