The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Questions and Answers
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Lessons and Values in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior learns to trust himself and embrace his dual identity as a "part-time Indian" navigating between his Native American roots and a...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Junior's Aspirations, Uncertainties, and Decision to Attend Reardan in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior decides to attend Reardan to escape the limitations of his reservation's education system, symbolized by outdated textbooks. Encouraged by...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Conflicts and ethical issues in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The main conflicts and ethical issues in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian include Junior's struggle between his identity as a Native American and his desire for a better education at a...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What does Junior's statement about "broken dams, floods, and tiny lifeboats" signify in The Absolutely True Diary of...
In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," Junior's statement about "broken dams, floods, and tiny lifeboats" is a metaphor for his life experiences. The "broken dams and floods" represent...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What adjectives would you use to describe Arnold/Junior?
Arnold/Junior is a dynamic character who can be described with a number of adjectives, including resilient, anxious or nervous, and conflicted.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Are there any hyperboles related to Junior's identity in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Junior frequently uses hyperbole to describe his identity in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Examples include describing his parents as "twin suns" essential to his world, and...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What does Junior mean by "laughter and tears are pretty much the same thing" in relation to death?
When Junior says, "When it comes to death, we know that laughter and tears are pretty much the same thing,” he means that the pain and suffering of Indigenous peoples can be so preponderant that it's...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What are five traumatic events in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Five traumatic events in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian include: Junior changing schools and losing his best friend, getting beaten up and robbed on Halloween, the death of his...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why is Junior confused after fighting Roger, and was he right to punch him?
Junior is confused after fighting Roger because Roger's unexpected retreat defies Junior's expectation of prolonged bullying. Junior, lacking his protector Rowdy, anticipated negative consequences...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What are some examples of irony in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Examples of irony in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian include Arnold discovering that Penelope, who seems perfect, has an eating disorder, and his sister Mary, who dreams of romance,...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What advice does Junior's grandma give him about Roger's behavior in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Junior's grandmother advises him that Roger's behavior shows respect. After Junior punches Roger for using derogatory terms, his grandmother first suggests he should have walked away but later says...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian banned?
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is often challenged or banned at schools due to its depictions of violence, profanity, alcoholism, and sexuality.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What is Junior's tone in the first chapter of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Junior's tone in the first chapter is primarily humorous and self-deprecating, using sarcasm and hyperbole to describe his experiences with hydrocephalus and his physical challenges. He makes light...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Gordy's role as Junior's friend in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Gordy serves as an intellectual and supportive friend to Junior in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. He encourages Junior to embrace his love for learning and helps him navigate the...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What is the climax of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Junior's conversation with Mr. P. about his low prospects on the reservation is the inciting incident in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What are some metaphors and similes in the poem about Arnold in The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian?
In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," metaphors and similes are used to symbolize key aspects of Arnold's life. For instance, Kentucky Fried Chicken is depicted as a metaphor for his...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Junior throw his geometry book and what does this suggest about him?
Junior throws his geometry book after discovering his mother's name inside, revealing it to be over 30 years old. This outdated textbook symbolizes the pervasive poverty and lack of opportunity on...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Junior compare their first game against Wellpinit to "something out of Shakespeare" in The Absolutely True...
Junior compares their first game against Wellpinit to "something out of Shakespeare" because it embodies the high drama and emotional conflict typical of Shakespeare's plays. The game represents a...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The significance of the setting in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" and its impact on the plot
The setting of "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is crucial as it highlights the stark contrasts between life on the Spokane Indian Reservation and the predominantly white high school...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Contrasts between life on reservations and life in Reardan in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and the...
The contrasts between life on reservations and in Reardan in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian highlight disparities in resources, opportunities, and societal expectations. Reservations...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Mr. P want Junior to leave the reservation?
Mr. P wants Junior to leave the reservation so he can pursue a brighter future elsewhere.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why did Junior throw the textbook at Mr. P in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Junior throws the textbook at Mr. P. out of frustration upon discovering that the geometry book is outdated, with his mother's name in it from over thirty years ago. This realization highlights the...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why did Rowdy react strongly to Junior, and how did this fulfill Mr. P's prediction?
Rowdy reacts strongly to Junior's decision to attend Reardan high school because he feels betrayed, believing Junior is rejecting their Native American heritage and accusing him of having a...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What is the purpose of humor in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian despite Junior's anger?
Humor in Sherman Alexie's novel serves to balance the serious themes of violence, isolation, loss, and racism, making the protagonist, Junior, relatable and memorable. Despite the harsh realities of...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, what does Junior's membership in the Black-Eye-of-the-Month club...
Junior's membership in the "Black-Eye-of-the-Month Club" signifies his frequent bullying and social ostracism due to his physical and speech challenges, as well as his status as a newcomer at his...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Can you identify a text-to-world connection in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
A text-to-world connection in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is the theme of overcoming social obstacles through sports, exemplified by Junior's experience with basketball. In the...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Rowdy call Junior a nomad in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Rowdy calls Junior a nomad because Junior is leaving the reservation. Their ancestors were nomads, and Rowdy believes that that Junior retains these qualities deep in his soul. Although Rowdy is...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What is the relationship between Rowdy and Arnold while Arnold is still at the reservation school?
While Arnold attends the reservation school, he and Rowdy share a brother-like bond. Rowdy, who endures abuse at home, often stays with Arnold and protects him, acting as his "best human friend."...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Billionaire Ted make Junior both angry and uncomfortable in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Billionaire Ted makes Junior angry and uncomfortable because Ted's behavior is condescending and patronizing. Despite claiming to appreciate Native American culture, Ted romanticizes and fetishizes...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, why does Rowdy blame Junior for Mary's death?
Rowdy blames Junior for Mary's death because Junior's decision to leave the reservation influenced Mary to quickly marry and move away. Junior acknowledges that his actions indirectly set off a chain...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
How does Rowdy react to Junior's school change in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Rowdy reacts with anger and physical aggression when Junior decides to transfer to another school. He initially believes Junior is joking, but upon realizing Junior's sincerity, Rowdy becomes...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Alexie reference Turtle Lake in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
The importance of Turtle Lake to Indian culture is symbolized by its inclusion in the stories of the tribe. It is a mysterious, deep lake that evokes fear and awe. Similarly, the people feel a sense...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What are three ways Junior changed after transferring to Reardan from the reservation school?
Three ways Junior changed after going from the reservation school to Reardan are his increased comfort with his liminal place in society, his realization of his own untapped strengths, and his...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Arnold's Relationships, Advice, and Dreams in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Arnold's dreams center on escaping the limitations of his reservation to pursue education and success, aspirations his parents couldn't fulfill. A...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, who tells Junior to "dream big" to get big?
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior’s father tells him that if he wants to get big, he has to “dream big.” His father tells him a story about meeting his mother as a way to...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What purpose does the character Billionaire Ted serve in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
The character Billionaire Ted serves to critique those who superficially engage with Native American culture without understanding it. In the novel, Ted appears at Junior's grandmother's funeral,...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Mr.P believe he deserved to be hit in the face in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Mr. P's motivation for getting hit with the book was not just to pay a penance, but also to right a wrong that he had created in his past. Mr. P's motivation for getting hit with the book was because...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
How does alcohol abuse affect Junior in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian?
Alcohol abuse profoundly impacts Junior, as it leads to the deaths of several important figures in his life. His father's friend Eugene is killed in a drunken altercation, and his beloved...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
How does Grandma Spirit in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian die?
Grandma Spirit dies after being hit by a drunk driver while walking home from a pow-wow. Despite her injuries, she tells the doctors to "forgive him," indicating her forgiving nature. The driver,...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Rowdy's Anger and Aggression in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Rowdy is portrayed as an angry and aggressive character, largely due to his abusive home environment. His father is an alcoholic who subjects him...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Character evolution in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, Junior evolves from a shy, isolated teenager on the Spokane Indian Reservation to a confident individual who navigates the challenges of attending...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Why does Junior get angry finding his mother's name in his math textbook?
The book is set on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Junior has been the victim of prejudice and institutionalized racism since he was born. When his mother's name appears in a math textbook, something...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What are the artifacts in Arnold's life on and off the reservation in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
The setting of this novel is on a Native American reservation in the Pacific Northwest. The characters include Arnold Spirit, Rowdy Papperman, Mr. Papperman, Grandpa and Grandma, Junior Peacock, and...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Relationship Dynamics in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior's relationship with his father is depicted as supportive yet strained by his father's alcoholism, which stems from the hardships of...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What does “rez” mean in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
“Rez” is short for “reservation,” the place where Junior, like many Native Americans, lives. He lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation, which, as with many such places, has a number of serious...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What problems does Junior face by attending school in Reardon and why does he decide to switch schools?
Junior switches to Reardon to seek better educational opportunities than those available at his reservation school, which suffers from outdated resources and unmotivated teachers. However, attending...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The root causes and impact of violence on Junior in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, violence deeply affects Junior's life. The root causes include poverty, alcoholism, and systemic oppression on the reservation. This violence...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, how do deaths change Junior's life?
Deaths significantly impact Junior's life by motivating him to seek better opportunities and avoid the cycle of alcoholism prevalent on the reservation. The losses of his sister Mary, grandmother,...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Should Junior stay on the reservation or transfer to a school outside Wellpinit?
Junior should transfer to a school outside Wellpinit to pursue his dreams, as staying on the reservation may lead to a life of limited opportunities similar to his parents. Mr. P advises Junior to...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What event causes Junior to fall into a deep depression?
What sends Junior into a deep depression is the deaths of his dog and his dad’s best friend.