What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona, And Don T Drink The Water

501 Words2 Pages

Oftentimes accounts are told in only one perspective, such as the struggle between Native Americans and white Anglo-Saxon Americans. Through utilizing texts like “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” and “Evolution” by Sherman Alexie, “Ellis Island” by Joseph Bruchac-III, and “Don’t Drink the Water” by The Dave Matthews Band, authors can convey multiple perspectives to the audience. By contrasting the different viewpoints between Native Americans and white Anglo-Saxon Americans, the authors are able to present a more complete picture of the story and establish the theme, purpose, and style of the work. Juxtaposition can help broaden the scope of the piece, which in turn helps establish the overall theme. This is commonly expressed …show more content…

In Sherman Alexie’s poem “Evolution,” the purpose is to reveal how the Native Americans are being taken advantage of. Alexie satirically writes how “when the last Indian has pawned everything…[Buffalo Bill] charges the Indians five bucks a head to enter [The Museum of Native American Cultures].” Likewise, The Dave Matthews Band’s song “Don’t Drink the Water” also illustrates the harsh treatment of Native Americans, but from a hostile white Anglo-Saxon American point of view: “You feel a right to remain / Then stay and I will bury you.” In order to achieve the purpose, the authors also use different elements of style that are often narrative, descriptive, and direct, like “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” and “Evolution,” to tell a story. In addition, “Don’t Drink the Water” uses repetition and parallelism throughout the poem to emphasize the lines while “Ellis Island” has hints of situational irony when the author reveals that the Statue of Liberty is not a symbol of freedom for everyone, contrary to what one would expect. Stylistic elements, when used in multiple perspectives, assist the writers achieve their

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