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Which character did you most identify with in Sherman Alexie’s short stories? How so?
Sample Answer
The Character I Most Identified with in Sherman Alexie’s Short Stories: A Reflection on Identity, Loss, and Resilience
Sherman Alexie’s short stories delve into the lives of Native Americans, portraying their struggles, triumphs, and unique experiences. As I delved into his collection, I found myself drawn to the character of Victor Joseph in “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona.” Victor’s journey towards self-discovery, his complex relationship with his heritage, and his resilience in the face of loss resonated deeply with me.
Firstly, Victor’s journey towards self-discovery is a theme that many can relate to. In the story, Victor embarks on a transformative journey to retrieve his father’s ashes with his childhood friend, Thomas Builds-the-Fire. Throughout this journey, Victor grapples with his identity as a Native American and the connection he feels to his cultural heritage. This struggle struck a chord with me as I have also experienced moments of questioning who I am and where I come from. Like Victor, I have wrestled with the desire to find a sense of belonging and understanding of my roots.
Moreover, Victor’s complex relationship with his heritage reflects the internal conflict many individuals face when navigating their cultural identity. In the story, Victor often harbors resentment towards his father for abandoning him and his mother, which leads to a fractious relationship with his Native American heritage. This ambivalence is exemplified when he states, “I’m just like him [his father]. I’m just like all those other Indian men who disappeared into the cities to drink and die.” This passage resonated with me as it illuminates the struggle of reconciling one’s own identity with the actions of those who came before us. Like Victor, I have grappled with understanding the complexities of my own heritage and how it influences my sense of self.
Furthermore, Victor’s resilience in the face of loss serves as an inspiration to me. Throughout the story, Victor experiences multiple losses, including the deaths of his father and his childhood friend, Thomas. Despite these tragedies, Victor continues to persevere and find meaning in his life. This resilience is evident when he decides to use the money from his father’s life insurance to help the impoverished reservation community. This act showcases Victor’s ability to transform his pain into a force for positive change. In this way, Victor becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding me of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Sherman Alexie’s short stories provide a profound exploration of the Native American experience, with characters that evoke empathy and introspection. Among them, Victor Joseph stood out to me due to his journey towards self-discovery, his complex relationship with his heritage, and his resilience in the face of loss. Through Victor’s character, I found echoes of my own journey, leading me to identify with his struggles and triumphs. Ultimately, Victor’s story serves as a reminder that our individual journeys towards self-discovery and resilience are universal, regardless of our cultural backgrounds
