User:Buchelir1/sandbox

Writing and literature
Writing and literature play an important role in the lives of Junior, Rowdy, and Mary. Rowdy reads comics as a way to escape from his abusive, dysfunctional home: “He likes to pretend he lives in comic books." Similarly, Mary reads and writes romance novels in order to escape (and run away) from her reality. In contrast, Junior draws cartoons and writes because it makes him feel important and is his way of communicating with the world. Writing, drawing, and reading are activities that are cathartic to them and also function as coping mechanisms to make the dysfunction, violence, and abuse in their lives bearable.

Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse is an issue salient to the Spokane reservation. It is directly responsible for the character deaths in the novel and the deaths of most of the Indians on the reservation [h]. The novel highlights the destructive nature of alcohol abuse and its major contribution to the stagnation of progression at the reservation and dysfunction of the family. Junior voices his disapproval for its widespread use and considers it to be directly responsible for much of the disarray in his own family.

The portrayal of alcoholism in the novel is representative of the problem Native Americans have with the use of alcohol. Much of Sherman’s desire to explore and address the issue of alcoholism derives from his own experiences with alcohol in the reservation. When asked if he feels the need to address alcoholism as a Native American, he replied "the whole race is filled with alcoholics. For those Indians who try to pretend it's a stereotype, they're in deep, deep denial," and by addressing it that "with the social hope that by writing about it, maybe it'll help people get sober, and it has."

Violence
Junior lives under the constant threat of physical violence. Although he attempts to assuage the threat through his drawings and light-hearted approach to the problem, he is nevertheless subjected to regular beatings by members of the reservation, including the adults. But violence serves as a form of communication on the reservation. Both Rowdy and the other Indians (Although he is in no real danger, he still believes it is possible he may be beat to death p.63)

Friendship
The centerpiece of the novel is the friendship between Junior and Rowdy. In the first chapter, Junior says, "Rowdy might be the most important person in my life. Maybe more important than my family. In the absence of his drunk, emotionally-distant father and eccentric mother, Junior finds solace in Rowdy. But as the novel progresses, Junior begins to make friends at Reardan High and learns just how crucial it is to build new relationships with different people, as they each serve an important role or function in his life: "And Roger, being of kind heart and generous pocket…drove me home that night. And he drove me home plenty of other nights, too. If you let people in your life a little bit, they can be pretty amazing."

Add Coach (plays important role in Junior's life). Coach – is the coach of the basketball team at Reardan High School. Unlike the teachers at towards Junior, Coach is the only one that treats Junior without concern for his being Indian. He is supportive of Junior, both in and outside the court.

Ban

Meridian, Idaho
In April 2014, the book was pulled from the Meridian district’s supplemental reading list after significant parental disapproval of the subject matter of the novel. The book was a part of its curriculum since 2010. Students protested to remove the ban but were unsuccessful. The NCAC states that The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian is its most frequently defended title.

Symbolism
Oscar

Oscar is Junior's stray mutt, best friend, and "the only living thing he can depend on." . He is euthanized by Junior's father at the beginning of the novel because they are unable to afford to take him to a vet. Oscar is a symbol of the struggles and consequences of being poor. Junior's inability to aid his friend reminds him of his poverty and the poverty he believes he is destined to inherit. However, Oscar's death is also a turning point for Junior as it acts as a catalyst for his change.

Possible edits in the Characters section: A more detailed description of Junior’s personality and physical characteristics Rowdy is 14 years-old (he shares the same birthday as Junior (11/5/92)) (p.16) Rowdy drinks (underage drinking) (pg.19) Mary Spirit (Junior’s sister.) (pg.26, includes a drawing of her, too). Characterization of Mary on pg. 36. Possible foil to Junior. She had potential. Note her nickname, Mary Runs Away = escapism theme. She runs away from her problems (pg. 39). Junior is idealistic Grandma Spirit (pg.69) (pg.155) She’s a representation of the cultural traditions of the rez. Possible additions:

Possible edits in the Plot section: It’s pretty comprehensive, but it’s lacking some plot points.

Possible edits in the Themes section: Alcoholism (alcohol abuse): Note that alcoholism is an issue in the rez irl. The problem dates back to European settlers introducing alcohol to Native Americans way back when. Search for more info. This theme goes hand-in-hand with some of the other themes like violence/bullying and hopes and dreams. Pg 199 IMPORTANT: p. 207 Mother says don’t drink. Alcohol abuse is widespread in the Spokane reservation.

Friendship: Their special relationship. Dependability for survivability. Pg.23 Violence: Appears throughout. Particularly pg. 62. It's important to note that the threat of violence is palpable here: Junior doesn't just fear that he'll get bruises from roughhousing, he fears for his life. Drawing cartoons and speaking lightheartedly about it doesn't make it any less worse. (pg. 63) (pg.78) Bullying: Thirty year-old men bullying Junior even though they are aware of his brain disorder. Pg.20. Differs from violence. Pg.84 Hopes and Dreams: Also Mary, Mr. P, etc. School is his way out Race: Wiki page doesn’t talk about oppression of the “white people” of the NA. (pg.35) Escapism: The use of literature to escape from their problems: Rowdy and Mary. (pg.39) Also, Spirit Sr. They all run away from their problems. Poverty: pg. 39

Mental illness: (pg. 105) Penelope and her bulimia Family: dysfunction p. 188 Possible creation of section: Style—Written in the 1st person, past tense. -sometimes refers to the reader (2nd person (?)) -inclusion of Junior’s drawings (their purpose)

Basketball In the novel, basketball is a symbol of improvement. Before his arrival to Reardan, Junior was, by his own words, "a decent player." While at Reardan, Junior improves because of the expectations set by his coach and teammates and becomes a valuable asset to the team. By the end of the novel, Junior believes he will be able to best Rowdy someday. The transformation Junior undergoes through the sport is a testament of his will-power and dedication to better himself.