Absolutely True Diary Of A Part Time Indian Analysis

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Sruti Mohan Mr. Dean Literary Explorations I 10 October 2014 The Journey of Acceptance Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, tells the story of Junior, a curious boy interested in exploring the world outside of his reservation. Because of his wildly different physical appearance many people on his reservation underestimate him, and often times he is hurt. In going to Reardan, Junior seeks acceptance that he is unable to receive at the reservation. At Reardan, he is able to validate his importance as an individual. Psychologically, people depend on others for acceptance. Thus, Junior’s journey to his new school represents the need to step out of one’s comfort zone to obtain the true meaning of one’s character. As…show more content…
Although the outer appearance of a person is no way to be judged, Junior uses this judgment, and lets the rude commentary overpower his truly humble and colorful personality. Although Junior leaves the reservation in order to discover himself, the people of Reardan are not very accepting, at first. Due to racism, Junior constantly feels judged, “They stared at me, the Indian boy with the black eye, and swollen nose… Those white kids couldn’t believe their eyes” (Alexie 54). Used to the constant judgment, Junior assumes his new classmates hate him. In due time, Junior learns that these people are not judging him, but rather are unfamiliar with how to welcome a new student. In choosing to attend Reardan, Junior is able to gain more knowledge and expose himself to new horizons. At first, Junior is completely unable to accept himself and doubts his every move. He says, “Reardan was the opposite of the rez. It was the opposite of my family. It was the opposite of me” (Alexie 56). Struggling to pass through his mental obstacle of racism, Junior realizes how exceptional he really is, and is able to overcome his…show more content…
The new Junior is willing to challenge teachers, and express interest in others. Although it seems unreasonable to question the teacher, Junior continues onward, saying, “‘Petrified wood is not wood’ My classmates stared at me...” (Alexie 85). Junior remains unfazed by the judgmental eyes and gains confidence when Gordy, a class favorite, tells the teacher he is in fact correct, and Junior finally realizes that he is intellectually apt, and that there are in fact people who support him. His perception of his own life is drastically different than how others perceive him, and he learns that through new friends. Although he has had to let go of his former best friend, Rowdy, Junior is still able to make friends with Gordy, a clever student who is much like Junior. He says to Gordy, “‘I want to be your friend’… And so we did become friends” (Alexie 94). It does take a lot of effort for him to realize his self-worth, as he is always putting himself down in the cartoons of himself. Gaining more self-confidence, he goes on to form a strong bond with Gordy, and they are able to communicate and learn what it means to have a friend. In building new relationships and friendships, Junior is able to strive socially and thus gains more than he
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