Themes: Dreams
In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," dreams play a central role in shaping the protagonist, Junior's, journey. The novel explores how dreams can be both a source of hope and a reminder of the limitations imposed by one's environment. Junior's pursuit of his dreams is a driving force that leads him to leave the Spokane Indian Reservation in search of better opportunities, highlighting the tension between aspiration and reality.
Junior's experiences on the reservation illustrate the crushing weight of unfulfilled dreams. The reservation is depicted as a place where poverty and limited opportunities stifle ambition. Junior's parents, who once dreamed of becoming a college professor and a jazz musician, are trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to realize their aspirations. Junior observes, "
My parents came from poor people who came from poor people who came from poor people, all the way back to the first poor people. (ch 2, p. 11)" This generational poverty underscores the difficulty of achieving dreams in such an environment.
Junior's decision to attend school in Reardan is a pivotal moment in his pursuit of dreams. The reservation school lacks resources, while Reardan offers superior facilities. Junior recognizes that staying on the reservation would mean the death of his dreams, as symbolized by the outdated textbooks: "
...with the force of a nuclear bomb... [Junior's] hopes and dreams (float) up in a mushroom cloud." This metaphor highlights the destructive impact of the reservation on dreams, motivating Junior to seek a different path.
Junior's relationship with Penelope further explores the theme of dreams. Penelope dreams of "building something beautiful" and escaping the confines of her environment. Junior identifies with her desire to see the world, as it mirrors his own motivation to leave the reservation. However, Junior's idolization of Penelope complicates his understanding of her dreams. He struggles to see them as attainable due to racial and existential barriers. While Junior's move to Reardan represents a step toward fulfilling his dreams, Penelope views her environment as limiting, creating a disconnect between their perspectives.
Expert Q&A
What are the hobbies, personality, and dreams of Junior's mom?
Junior's mother is an avid reader with a remarkable memory for books. She is a recovered alcoholic who finds support in church during tough times. Her dreams included going to college and becoming a teacher, but she lacked encouragement. She is honest and supportive, notably allowing Junior to attend Reardan. Her protective nature grows throughout the story, especially after family tragedies related to alcohol, leading her to insist Junior never drinks.
What were Junior's parents' childhood dreams in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
Junior's parents dreamed of escaping poverty and achieving more in their lives. His mother wanted to attend college, and both parents had aspirations that were never realized due to a lack of support and attention to their dreams. Junior is determined to pursue his own dreams by attending school off the reservation, which presents challenges as he navigates his identity between two worlds.
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