In the chapter "Because Russian Guys Are Not Always Geniuses," Junior laughed the hardest and the most hysterically. Junior was laughing in this time of grief because he was trying to distract himself from all the pain of his sister's death. He was distracting himself by also worrying about his dad during the snowstorm. Junior was trying to hide himself from his true emotions. He was feeling sad and angry. Juniors said, “ My dad was trying to comfort me. But it’s not too comforting to learn that your sister was TOO FREAKING DRUNK to feel any pain when she BURNED TO DEATH” (205)! Sherman Alexie puts part of this sentence in capital letters to put an emphasis on the amount of anger Junior was feeling about his sister. Junior felt Mary was going to be successful and continue to be a role model for Junior. But when Mary dies because she was too drunk Junior was frustrated at her for being so “Indian.” At the same time Junior was sad because he lost Eugene, his grandmother and Mary these were the people who were role model and gave hope.
Junior began to laugh when he saw Rowdy in the woods. Junior was laughing because Rowdy missed a punch when he was crying. And Rowdy the toughest guy on the rez NEVER cried or missed a punch. Rowdy said “ Your sister is dead because you left us. You killed her” (211). Once Junior found out the reason Rowdy was crying, Junior immediately stopped laughing. Junior stopped laughing because he realized Rowdy still thinks he was a traitor and it was his fault. Junior instantly felt sorry because he believed it was his fault too. Junior realized he left the rez so his his sister left the rez. When Junior can’t seem to find the answer to something he instantly seems to blame himself.
Was Junior anger at his sister justified? Why or why not? Did Junior really kill his sister? Will Rowdy eventually go to Reardan? Do you think Junior will go to college? Did this book have a happy ending?
I think that Junior didn't really kill his sister because it was her decision to move to Montana know that it won't be the same as the Rez. Even if Junior didn't go to Reardon, I think that Marry would still have eventually moved out of the Rez and start a knew life. I think Rowdy will eventually go to Reardon with Junior and become MVPs on the Reardon basketball team. The only obstacles stopping Rowdy are his drunk dad abusing him, and what he thinks of white people. I also think that after Reardon, he will go to a great collage and play basketball there, and eventually become a cartoonist.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Junior's anger towards his sister is justified for a few reasons. One reason is that Mary and Arnold are basically the same. They both left home. They both have dreams and they both wanted to be more than what their parents were. The reason why Arnold was so angry was because he was afraid that if he continued following his dream he might die before he completes it. Also, after a family member dies, a lot of people get angry at them for dying. I also do not think that Junior killed his sister. When Junior changed schools to Rearden he sparked something in his sister that made her want to follow her dreams. Even if Junior hadn't reminded her about dreams she would eventually realize is herself. Also, I disagree with Camille about Rowdy changing schools to Rearden. If Rowdy changed schools he wouldn't fit in. He would get angry at the teachers, get in fights, and get bad grades. Rowdy would reenforce the stereotypical Indian that the Rearden kids already had in their minds. Another thing is, I think that Junior will go to college if a few things happen. one thing that will have to happen is Junior will have to become better at basketball. Also, he will have to continue working hard at school. if Junior does these two things he will surely go to college. Lastly, I think that this book had a happier ending then it should have had. In real life friends don't make up after doing nothing. Overall, the book was really good even if some parts weren't realistic.
ReplyDelete