The Absolutely True Diary A Part-Time Indian By Sherman Alexie

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Losing a basketball game is not such a big deal, but losing a grandmother, a sister, a best friend, and an entire community all in a couple of months in another story. This is what happened to Arnold “Junior” Spirit in the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. In the diary, Junior tells readers about his experience in an Indian reservation. he tells the story of when he transfers from his unprivileged Indian school on the reservation to a privileged white school outside of the reservation. The white school, Reardan, puts Junior in a vulnerable situation as he is the only Indian at the school. Throughout the course of the story, Junior becomes emotional, brave, and determined. Even in his defenseless situation, Junior always finds a way to be caring and compassionate for other around him. Even though he may …show more content…

Junior is brave because he shows bravery many times during the story, in several different ways. Mr. P, Junior’s reservation teacher, told him that if he didn’t leave the reservation, he wouldn't be able to do anything with his life. After thinking for a while, Junior decides to get off the reservation. When his parents get home, Junior says, “I want to go to Reardan” (45). This shows that Junior is brave because going to Reardan will put Junior in a very vulnerable situation, as being Indian and unprivileged will make him a target to bullies. Another way Junior shows bravery is at the time of the school dance. Since Junior really likes Penelope, Junior tells readers, “In December, I took Penelope to the Winter Formal” (119). In this way, Junior shows bravery because it takes a lot of confidence and bravery to ask someone out. Both transferring to Reardan and asking Penelope out shows bravery in Junior. At the beginning of the story, Junior is a poor, weak boy. However while progressing through the story, Junior becomes strong and

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