This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona
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MSC 2018
Prof. Fry Comp 102
“This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona”
Reading the short story “This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona”, the reader notices quickly, that the writing style of Sherman Alexie is different than other authors’ writing styles in a few ways. Sherman Alexie has a very difficult biographical background. He grew up in a poor reservation in the state of Washington where he had to deal with a lot of problems concerning alcoholism, physical disability, racism, missing education/future opportunities and bullying.These topics are also part of his novel. Therefore his writing style is so important. He creates a strong connection to the younger readers.
For example, he uses a lot of simple words, but complex as well as simple sentences making the readers free the emotions of what the characters are going through. Victor, the main character, reflects their own lives and opportunities with his example kept in mind. Just like when the tribal council gives Victor only 100 dollars to go to Arizona, he starts to think of the times with Thomas, his best friend. Thomas tells Victor the story of two indian boys that wanted to be warrior (page 249). In this scene shows how their relationship used to be close when they were children. Victor and Thomas Builds-the-Fire were the same age, had grown up and played in the dirt together. Ever since Victor could remember, it was Thomas who always had something to say.” The words are simple but the complex punctuation help differ from Alexies other pieces.
In “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” he wanted to show teenagers, who are suffering from a spread of problems, that they can make it through their problems and achieve more just like he did. It’s very important for this concern that the reader feels personally addressed by the book. The author creates this feeling with his colloquial style and the fact that he somehow seems to speak to the reader (“Ain’t that weird?” p. 188,5; ”I had some pride, you