The Approximate Size Of My Favorite Humor Analysis

In “The Approximate Size of My Favorite Tumor,” Sherman Alexie analyzes how Norma and Jimmy One-Horse’s marriage changed after his cancer diagnosis. Alexie employs humor through satire to contrast the values of both characters in the story. However, the development of their relationship from laughter is also examined through the plot. From this, certain aspects of Native American culture are highlighted within Norma and Jimmy One-Horse’s union, despite their apparent challenges. Sherman Alexie uses satirical elements in his work to “make dialogue possible” (Nygren 161). This is evident in the character of Jimmy One-Horse in “The Approximate Size of My Favorite Tumor.” Humor was recognized in the story as being “an antiseptic that cleaned …show more content…
They are thereby often characterized as alcoholics. However, Alexie shifts this paradigm through the story’s plot and characters. Despite both Jimmy One-Horse and Norma frequenting the Powwow Tavern, they never purchased alcoholic drinks. In fact, only one mention of a drunk individual is made during the story. Thus, the officer’s assumption that Jimmy One-Horse had been drinking when he missed a turn signal perpetuates a common cultural stereotype. The plot also highlights the importance of family within the Native American community. For instance, the wedding of Jimmy One-Horse and Norma was attended by all their extended family members. Furthermore, the reverence of elders was incorporated into the story, most notably by Norma. She was committed to “visit[ing] tribal elders,” regardless of how far they lived because their deaths “[took] a piece of [their] past away” (Alexie 5). Elements involved in the relationship of Jimmy One-Horse and Norma, from beginning to end, emphasize Native American