“This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” is a story about the journey of two Native Americans, Victor and Thomas, to Phoenix, Arizona to pick up the ashes of Victor’s deceased father. As they embark on their journey the relationship between the two men gets closer. In this short story Sherman Alexie uses third person omniscient to allow the reader to see multiple perspectives to demonstrate the theme of taking care of each other.
Throughout the story the speaker shifts from the present to the past to give background information on the friendship of Thomas and Victor. “When they were seven years old. When Victor’s father still lived with the family, Thomas closed his eyes and told Victor this story: “ Your father’s heart is weak. He is afraid of his own family. He is afraid of you” (18). Thomas helps Victor to prepare for when his father leaves. Thomas tries to prevent Victor from suffering by telling him that his father loves him …show more content…
“The only thing alive in this whole state and we just killed it.” The use of “we killed it” rather than “you killed it” demonstrates how Victor is accepting his relationship, for the moment, with Thomas. Through these words the speaker gives the reader an insight into Victor’s mind and thoughts. Victor regrets losing his friendship with Thomas and wishes to talk to him in front of others but knows that is not possible. By saying “we” Victor takes care of Thomas so he does not feel guilty for killing the jack rabbit. “Take care of each other is what my dreams were saying, take care of each other” (123). Thomas clearly explains to Victor that his vision was to take care of him. Thomas not only takes care of him because he promised Victor’s father but also because he knows the pain of losing a parent. Using dialogue Alexie demonstrates the importance of taking care of each
Throughout the story the speaker shifts from the present to the past to give background information on the friendship of Thomas and Victor. “When they were seven years old. When Victor’s father still lived with the family, Thomas closed his eyes and told Victor this story: “ Your father’s heart is weak. He is afraid of his own family. He is afraid of you” (18). Thomas helps Victor to prepare for when his father leaves. Thomas tries to prevent Victor from suffering by telling him that his father loves him …show more content…
“The only thing alive in this whole state and we just killed it.” The use of “we killed it” rather than “you killed it” demonstrates how Victor is accepting his relationship, for the moment, with Thomas. Through these words the speaker gives the reader an insight into Victor’s mind and thoughts. Victor regrets losing his friendship with Thomas and wishes to talk to him in front of others but knows that is not possible. By saying “we” Victor takes care of Thomas so he does not feel guilty for killing the jack rabbit. “Take care of each other is what my dreams were saying, take care of each other” (123). Thomas clearly explains to Victor that his vision was to take care of him. Thomas not only takes care of him because he promised Victor’s father but also because he knows the pain of losing a parent. Using dialogue Alexie demonstrates the importance of taking care of each