Phoenix, Arizona- The Rebirth
Sherman Alexie's "This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona" begins rapidly. The narrator quickly informs us of the loss of his job and father. After stating this fact, the story goes on to tell even his relationship with his father was unstable and they did not communicate. This shows the readers that the story is one of struggle and not necessarily about the events but about Victor himself. The story continues to introduce you to the many struggles the young man must face such as: low funding in general, and an unsupportive family and community. After all the explanation of pity in Victor’s personal life he goes on to meet Thomas who he treats like a nuisance as everyone else does, almost how the tribe treated Victor. Thomas then provides an option of aid where Victor’s community and family fell short. This begins the journey of self-identity and pride with great imagery substituting as symbolism. Sherman Alexies uses imagery often and strategically to present intricate symbolism to make the story almost puzzling to find meaning. Even the name, “This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona" shows great symbolism and accurately depicts the true meaning of the …show more content…
Victor’s father and Thomas’ only connection was Victor and they merge to have almost the same intentions for him. "He said he wouldn't tell anybody. Didn't want me to get in trouble. But he said I had to watch out for you as part of the deal."(Alexie, 212) Thomas explains to Victor after he tells the story of his father finding him. Victor then ask if that was the reason they are together now and Thomas Builds-the-Fire confirms this. Thomas is almost Victor’s fathers gift from beyond and a show of affection for his son that was never specified. Thomas symbolize, on this trip, a fatherly hand to help him along the way both mentally and
Sherman Alexie's "This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona" begins rapidly. The narrator quickly informs us of the loss of his job and father. After stating this fact, the story goes on to tell even his relationship with his father was unstable and they did not communicate. This shows the readers that the story is one of struggle and not necessarily about the events but about Victor himself. The story continues to introduce you to the many struggles the young man must face such as: low funding in general, and an unsupportive family and community. After all the explanation of pity in Victor’s personal life he goes on to meet Thomas who he treats like a nuisance as everyone else does, almost how the tribe treated Victor. Thomas then provides an option of aid where Victor’s community and family fell short. This begins the journey of self-identity and pride with great imagery substituting as symbolism. Sherman Alexies uses imagery often and strategically to present intricate symbolism to make the story almost puzzling to find meaning. Even the name, “This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona" shows great symbolism and accurately depicts the true meaning of the …show more content…
Victor’s father and Thomas’ only connection was Victor and they merge to have almost the same intentions for him. "He said he wouldn't tell anybody. Didn't want me to get in trouble. But he said I had to watch out for you as part of the deal."(Alexie, 212) Thomas explains to Victor after he tells the story of his father finding him. Victor then ask if that was the reason they are together now and Thomas Builds-the-Fire confirms this. Thomas is almost Victor’s fathers gift from beyond and a show of affection for his son that was never specified. Thomas symbolize, on this trip, a fatherly hand to help him along the way both mentally and