Themes: Hope and Growing Up
The novel is at its heart a coming-of-age story, or a bildungsroman. Typical of a bildungsroman, the protagonist—in this case, Junior—has to grow up and attain some measure of peace after facing great turmoil. In Junior’s case, that turmoil is even more complex because he is an economically disadvantaged Indigenous young man. As Junior notes after a basketball game, while his white classmates do have their own problems, unlike the students on the rez, they do not have to fight to survive every day. Most of them do not have to deal with pervasive hunger, poverty, and alcohol-related deaths in the family. Thus, for Junior, the process of growing up involves not just finding his individual identity, but also accepting and reconciling harsh truths. As the novel ends, Junior realizes that he will have to leave the rez, much as he loves it. His guilt at leaving the rez will be permanent, just like his grief at losing Mary. He will have to live with the burden of racism and historical injustice while attempting to be fruitful and productive.
One of the key lessons Junior learns is that he has multiple identities, which he can use to forge bonds with other people. He notes that “sure, I was a Spokane Indian. I belonged to that tribe. But I also belonged to the tribe of American immigrants. And to the tribe of basketball players. And to the tribe of bookworms . . . And the tribe of poverty . . . It was a huge realization. And that’s when I knew that I was going to be okay.” Junior finds hope in kinship with different sets of people, whether it is his family, his peers on the rez, or his Reardan classmates. This differs from his early notion of hope, which was linked with whiteness. In the initial sections of the narrative, Junior jokes that only white people have hope. In this context, hope is code for opportunities. However, as Junior grows up, he begins to understand that hope comes in many shapes and forms.
Expert Q&A
How does Junior in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian explain his basketball improvement?
Junior attributes his basketball improvement to increased confidence and the power of expectations. After moving to Reardon, he was no longer the "lowest Indian on the reservation totem pole," and people expected him to excel, which motivated him to improve. His coach's belief in his potential further boosted his confidence, leading Junior to become a varsity starter and strive to prove his worth, not just in basketball, but in life.
How does the final basketball game between Junior and Rowdy portray the reconnection of their friendship?
How does Junior show increased self-confidence in class?
Junior shows increased self-confidence in class by challenging his teacher, Mr. Dodge, on a lesson about petrified wood, demonstrating his knowledge and intelligence. This moment occurs in the chapter "Slouching Towards Thanksgiving," where Junior realizes he is smarter than many of his white classmates. When Gordy, a white student, supports Junior's explanation, it further boosts his confidence. Their friendship, centered on learning, helps Junior feel more self-assured academically.
What does Rowdy and Junior's 1-on-1 basketball game signify in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian?
The 1-on-1 basketball game between Rowdy and Junior signifies the complex and ongoing nature of Junior's identity formation. It symbolizes the coexistence and respect between his "Reservation" and "Reardon" selves. The game, with no score kept, highlights mutual respect and the continuous struggle for identity. This suggests that Junior's identity will fluctuate, embracing different aspects of his life as he navigates his dual existence.
How did Junior's departure inspire Mary to leave the reservation as well?
How do Junior's experiences on an Indian reservation drive his success?
Junior's experiences on the Indian reservation drive his success by highlighting the lack of opportunities and the stifling of dreams in that environment. Confronted with outdated textbooks and limited prospects, Junior realizes the reservation's oppressive nature and is motivated to pursue a life where his dreams can flourish. This realization propels him to seek education and opportunity at Reardon, transforming his reality and allowing him to become the author of his own future.
How does the basketball rematch's end metaphorically represent Junior's present and future life?
The basketball rematch metaphorically represents Junior's internal conflict and future aspirations. Despite feeling like a traitor for leaving his reservation, Junior realizes during the game that his success at Reardan symbolizes his potential beyond reservation life. The victory highlights his dual identity struggle, as he empathizes with his former community's limited prospects. Junior knows he must move forward to reach his potential, hoping for understanding from his family and friends.
Junior's Resilience and Challenges in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"
In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior faces numerous challenges both on and off the reservation. On the reservation, he deals with poverty, outdated educational resources, and widespread alcoholism, which also affects his family. His health issues, including hydrocephalus and resulting physical impairments, make him a target for bullying. In pursuit of a better education, Junior attends Reardan, a predominantly white school, where he struggles with fitting in and is considered a traitor by his community. Despite these obstacles, Junior's resilience and hope drive him to seek a better future.
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