In the chapter “Dance, Dance, Dance” Junior says that the Winter Formal night was one of “the best nights of his life” (129). He says this because at the dance, Junior could just be himself and not be scared. When first going to the dance, Junior was “worried that people would make fun of him” (122). Once he got to the dance, he noticed that nobody was making fun of his suit, which was his dad’s bought in the 1970’s. Everyone was quickly envious of the suit. Alexie says that “every dude in the joint immediately wished he’d worn his father’s lame polyester suit” (122). He says this, this way because we have to notice that it is a lame suit, and everyone just wants to wear it because Penelope said that it was cool.
Junior wanted to belong in the world of Rearden. He was “popular by association” (123). Junior was finally fitting in, which makes his night at the Winter Formal a great night. Junior also had “the best night of his life” because he and Penelope were having fun. “Penelope and I were so happy to be alive, and so happy to be alive TOGETHER, even if we were only a semi-hot item, and we danced every single dance” (122). Junior was having the night of his life next to the girl of his dreams, Penelope. He had fun WITH Penelope, they shared every dance together. Being able to be alive was fun, but being able to be alive with Penelope was even better. Sherman Alexie makes the word Together in capitals to show how important it is for Junior. If he wasn’t together with Penelope, it wouldn’t be as fun. It is also in capital letters because he is sharing some time with his friend. Junior had finally made a White friend at Rearden, something thought not possible by Indians.
Junior was confused at many times this night. An example is when nobody is making fun of his suit. This would be confusing because it is ironic that people AREN’T making fun of his suit. The suit was his dad’s, bought in the 1970’s, which is old. It is made of polyester and is lame. Another example of Junior being confused this night is when Roger is so nice and polite to him. “I couldn’t believe he was so nice. He was, well, he was POLITE! How many great football players are polite? And kind? And generous like that? It was amazing” (126). Junior is confused and surprised at the fact that Roger, the kid he had punched, the best football player ever, a popular, could be so nice to him. Junior is confused because this wouldn’t be normal at the rez. If raised at the rez, Roger would be mean and a bully towards Junior. Junior is confused because he is not used to this occasion happening.
Do you agree that this is Junior’s “best night of his life”? Do you think that Junior be considered part of the Rearden community? Do you think that Junior will stay “popular” his whole time at Rearden? Do you think that Junior will have more confidence at Rearden? Why or why not? If you were Junior, what would you do the same or differently at the dance?
I don't know why it's in two colors, it's automatic
ReplyDeleteI think this is indeed the best night of his life because Arnold and Penelope got closer in this event that happened, they were having fun TOGETHER. After Arnold told Penelope that he's poor, Penelope didn't look down on him, instead, she understands him better and understands Indians better. While Arnold is trying to understand the White community, he is representing the Indians and showing the Indian culture to the Whites. That night, Arnold also gained Roger as a friend. Roger not only gave him $40, he also drives Arnold back to the rez. He is like a big brother, though he could be mean and racist sometimes, he is nice to his friends. Arnold learns that "If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing" (129). To Alex's question, I think in reality, if you are a popular, you stay as a popular. But in this diary, if Arnold continues to be the popular, the story will get too boring. I think there probably will be some turn to this story.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alex’s reasons for Junior’s confusion. However, I think the overarching theme of all of those is that Junior never really knows what to expect in the midst of popularity. When Junior wears the suit, like Alex said, he's surprised that he actually gets praise for it. This would imply that from differences spawn popularity. However, when Junior first showed up at Reardan as basically a foreigner, the reaction he got was the exact opposite. But then again, when had Junior punched Roger, he was respected for doing something that no one at Reardan has ever done before. That was the start of this respect that he has now, that gained the attention of the popular group. I think there’s some foreshadowing here. Like Kelsey said, Junior probably won’t stay popular for the duration of the book. Junior may think that now that he’s attained trust in the popular group, and is all buddy-buddy with them, he can do whatever he wants and will still be respected. But if he takes it too far, then he’ll go back to being alone like he was before. He’s already started to lose Gordy, demonstrated on page 116, when Gordy says “I think you’re just a racist asshole like everybody else."
ReplyDeleteDo you think Junior will eventually take it too far and be alone again? If so, what would he do to cause it? What is popularity based on? What causes it? How do you get away from it once you’ve attained it?
I agree with kelsey about how this was the best night of his life. This event brings Penelope and Junior closer together. After the the dance when they went to the pancake place, that also brought them closer together because Penelope finds out who Junior really is. This event also brings Junior and Rodger closer together because when Rodger gives Junior the money, Junior knows that he can trust Rodger, and that he that Rodger appreciates Junior as a friend. I think that Junior is in a good place right now, with his new friends at Reardon, and his new girlfriend, but I don't think that this will last. Its to good to be true.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alex. Junior had one of the best nights of his life because he felt like he was one of the normal kids. In fact he felt like he was above everyone else. He was standing out because he is different in almost every way, but then again that makes him better too. Having the goofy suit made everyone laugh along with his crazy dance moves. Like Alex said this also made everyone envy him because Penelope thought it was cool. It was also the best night of his life because of Roger. Roger was first introduced in the book as a bully and the leader of the popular group. Alexie makes him seem racist and shallow so he would never talk to Junior, unless it were in a negative way. This chapter changed the reader’s view on Roger. When Roger comes into the bathroom to talk to Junior, he suddenly becomes the perfect person. Not only is he a rich football star and the most popular kid in school, but he is also a kind hearted guy that cares about Junior. He comes into the bathroom making Junior feel comfortable, then he helps Junior out with his fear going into the night by paying for the dinner. This helps Junior out later when Penelope finds out he is poor and starts crying for him. This makes Junior happy that he has someone to care for him even with all his problems. Penelope makes Junior’s life easier by making him tell her his secret. Now Junior feels like he has it all together.
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