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Although the story uses the term Phoenix, Arizona, to name Victors place of birth, the name symbolizes a form of rebirth to the characters. For instance, victor went to Phoenix to gather his fathers ashes, which brought about all the elements of revival, including ashes, Phoenix, and intense heat together (Alexie, 1994). Similarly, Thomas had the vision to throw ashes into Spokane falls to force them to turn into salmon, which were all a form of rebirth. Hence, the meaning of Phoenix, Arizona, in this story signifies rebirth.
The story uses flashbacks to help the readers learn more about the characters. Specifically, Alexie (1994) relied on flashbacks to allow the audience to understand the characters struggle with themselves and others. For example, the story states, When they were fifteen and had long since stopped being friends, Victor and Thomas got into a fistfight (Alexie, 1994, p.4). The flashback allows the readers to understand the characters relationships and previous relations.
The powwow regalia in this story signifies the destruction of American Indias culture, property, and identities, while the yellow bead symbolizes imperfection. Indeed, the powwow regalia showcases how theft and violence disrupt the generational transfer of knowledge within the American Indian communities, leaving young generations like Jackson immensely disconnected from their cultural identities. Hence, the regalia and the yellow bead signify cultural discontinuation and imperfection in American society.
Alexie argues that homeless Indians endure emotions like uncertainty, loneliness, and desperation while enduring difficult predicaments. As a homeless man, Jackson becomes accustomed to an unsettling lifestyle and seems to thrive on the unknown (Alexie, 2003). He depends on strangers and friends to survive through the highs and lows of life. Hence, Alexie gives the readers the picture that Indian homelessness forces people to beg in the streets to afford a meal every day.
References
Alexie, S. (1994). This is what it means to say Phoenix, Arizona. The lone ranger and Tonto fistfight in heaven, 59-77.
Alexie, S. (2003). What you pawn, I will redeem. New Yorker-New Yorker Magazine Incorporated-, 168-177.
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