The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven Summary
Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a collection of twenty-two linked short stories about the members of the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
- Victor Joseph is a young Spokane Indian, and he features as either the protagonist or narrator of many of the stories.
- Each story spotlights the different aspects of life on the reservation, as well as the historical and cultural traumas that plague modern Native Americans.
- In one of the collection's most famous stories, "This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona," Victor and Thomas-builds-the-fire travel to Arizona to retrieve Victor's father's ashes.
Summary
"The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" presents a collection of interconnected stories reflecting the lives of Native Americans on a reservation. The narratives explore themes such as cultural identity, poverty, and the intersection of past and present. Through a blend of reality and imagination, Sherman Alexie crafts a vivid portrayal of reservation life.
Every Little Hurricane
The opening tale introduces Victor, a young boy caught in the turmoil of a New Year's Eve party in 1976. Victor's family—his parents and uncles—engage in heated arguments as a hurricane looms, symbolizing both literal and metaphorical storms. Flashbacks to earlier Christmases reveal the family's struggle with poverty and the larger theme of memory shaping identity. This narrative sets the stage for Alexie's exploration of reality versus imagination and the hardships of reservation life.
A Drug Called Tradition
Thomas Builds-the-Fire hosts a massive gathering, rivaling the chaos of the earlier New Year's celebration. Joined by Junior and Victor, they journey to Benjamin Lake, where a drug-induced vision leads them to their adult Indian names through an act of horse theft. The story blurs lines between past and present, underscoring Victor's notion that history shadows everyone.
Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play "The Star Spangled Banner" at Woodstock
Victor recalls his father's affinity for Jimi Hendrix, whose music becomes a ritualistic backdrop to his father's drinking. This shared routine deepens the connection between Victor and his father. Hendrix's legacy, combined with the father's alcoholism, contributes to the dissolution of Victor's parents' marriage, illustrating the personal toll of addiction and idolization.
Crazy Horse Dreams
In a brief encounter at a powwow, Victor reflects on the unattainable ideals epitomized by the legendary warrior Crazy Horse. The woman he meets yearns for qualities Victor cannot embody, accentuating the disconnect between traditional expectations and modern reality. This story highlights the struggle to reconcile historical reverence with contemporary identity.
The Only Traffic Signal on the Reservation Don't Flash Red Anymore
Victor and Adrian, both sober now, reminisce about the wasted potential of reservation athletes, particularly Julius Windmaker. Their conversation shifts to Lucy, a promising young girl, sparking hope that she might break the cycle of talent succumbed to alcoholism. This story reflects the repetitive patterns of lost potential and the persistent dream of change.
Amusements
Victor and Sadie play a mischievous prank on Dirty Joe, an intoxicated man, by placing him on a carnival ride. A chase ensues, leading Victor into a fun house filled with distorting mirrors. The reflective glass symbolizes distorted self-perception and the chaotic nature of reservation life.
This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona
Adapted into the film Smoke Signals, this story follows Victor and Thomas on a journey to collect the remains and belongings of Victor's deceased father. As they travel, they share memories and reach a deeper understanding of each other, culminating in Victor offering Thomas a portion of his father's ashes. This narrative highlights themes of reconciliation and the complexity of familial bonds.
The Fun House
Victor recalls an incident with his Aunt Nezzy, who asserts her independence by swimming nude in a creek after a mouse incident. Her defiance against familial ingratitude marks a turning point, symbolizing liberation from expectations. Nezzy’s actions challenge traditional roles and hint at a transformative personal journey.
All I Wanted to Do Was Dance
Victor recounts his battle with alcoholism, detailing how it destroyed relationships and led to despair. The narrative concludes with his decision to embrace sobriety. This personal account emphasizes the destructive power of addiction and the hope found...
(This entire section contains 1261 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
in recovery.
The Trial of Thomas Builds-the-Fire
Thomas finds himself on trial for his insistence on storytelling—a dangerous truth-telling habit, according to authorities. His tales of historical injustices committed against Native Americans reveal deep-seated grievances. This story underscores the peril and power inherent in storytelling as a form of resistance and preservation.
Distances
A series of vignettes compare "Urbans," Indians who left the reservation, with "Skins," those who stayed. The narrative touches on burning down buildings, cultural dancing, and dreams of the past, highlighting the tension between change and tradition. These scenes illustrate the cultural divide and the search for identity within a shifting world.
Jesus Christ's Half-Brother Is Alive and Well on the Spokane Indian Reservation
This allegorical tale spans nearly a decade, focusing on the narrator and his Christ-like adopted son, James. After his mother's tragic death, James is raised by the narrator, who quits drinking to care for him. The story explores themes of redemption and the transformative power of love.
A Train Is an Order of Occurrence Designed to Lead to Some Result
On his birthday, Samuel Builds-the-Fire, Thomas's grandfather, loses his motel cleaning job and, for the first time, drinks alcohol. He finds himself in a drunken stupor on train tracks, illustrating the depth of despair and the unintended consequences of a single day. Samuel's journey reflects the impact of economic instability and personal crisis.
A Good Story
Junior attempts to write a positive tale after his mother criticizes his sad stories. He recounts a story of his Uncle Moses, which self-referentially loops back into itself. This narrative highlights the role of storytelling in maintaining cultural continuity and shaping identity.
The First All-Indian Horseshoe Pitch and Barbecue
An upbeat and poetic account of a community event filled with food, games, and discussions of making basketball a new tribal religion. This festive narrative provides a rare glimpse of joy and unity within the collection. The story captures the resilience and communal spirit of the reservation.
Imagining the Reservation
Alexie delves into the imaginative power used by reservation inhabitants to combat both cultural and material poverty. Through a mosaic of symbolic and real elements, he captures a struggle against historical and present-day challenges. The narrative reinforces imagination as a crucial survival tool.
The Approximate Size of My Favorite Tumor
Jimmy Many Horses jests about his cancer diagnosis, driving a wedge between him and his wife Norma. Despite his humor, Norma returns, tired of seriousness. This story highlights the importance of humor and resilience in the face of adversity.
Indian Education
Through a series of educational vignettes, Victor recounts moments from each school year, depicting the spectrum of reservation life and his personal struggles. These snapshots reveal a journey marked by discrimination, intelligence, and athletic prowess. Victor's educational path is a testament to perseverance.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
The titular story follows Victor's move to Seattle with his white girlfriend, mimicking the dynamic of Lone Ranger and Tonto. When the relationship ends, Victor returns to the reservation, finding sobriety and employment. This narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and transformation.
Family Portrait
Junior's family is rich in storytelling, echoing Alexie's own life experiences. The narrative explores the distortion of reality through constant television noise, representing the erosion of Indian traditions. This story reflects on the impact of cultural influences and the enduring power of oral history.
Somebody Kept Saying Powwow
Junior narrates his admiration for Norma Many Horses, a figure epitomizing strength and integrity. Her unwavering identity and role as a community caretaker elevate her to a respected status. This story emphasizes the influence of positive role models in shaping personal and cultural identities.
Witnesses, Secret and Not
Victor, at thirteen, accompanies his father to the police station regarding a long-missing Indian, Jerry Vincent. A close call with an accident and a confession from his father reveal hidden truths. The story concludes with Victor's father expressing vulnerability, highlighting the complexities of guilt and familial bonds.