The Red Convertible Group

Question:

kate3223
kate3223
Student
College - Sophomore

How does the pressures of the white culture affect the brothers' relationship? And is it the cause for Henry's death?

I believe the pressures of the white culture/western influence were too much for henry and it was the reason for his suicide. Also he came home to somewhat of a changed world. [the tv plays a big part in this]

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Posted by kate3223 on Friday March 7, 2008 at 12:19 PM and tagged with the red convertible, western influence, white culture.

Answers:


  1. gbeatty Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    Great question! I'd have to say that the pressure of white society is quietly pervasive, and affects the brothers' relationship in a number of ways. First, the fact that they have relatively limited options is due to the position the native peoples have been forced into in white society. Second, it is the American political leadership (which at the time was overwhelmingly white) which got America involved in Vietnam. This is what broke Henry's spirit. Third, there was no context for Henry once he was back, and no support. He was left alone to deal with his issues with just the television. This is a shared struggle for all soldiers, but Henry's ethnicity meant he was less likely to get professional help, or to even be understood by those surrounding him.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/red-convertible

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    Posted by gbeatty on Friday August 29, 2008 at 5:13 PM