Part Time Indian Analysis

Part Time Indian essay Determination is a driving force that enables people to succeed in life. In Sherman Alexie’s novel, The Absolutely true diary of a part time Indian, Arnold the protagonist, has a determination and will to succeed and escape the stereotype of Native Americans. Despite the many factors that were going against him, for example Poverty and the way he was raised. He walked to school everyday and battled the bullying and prejudice being dealt to him. He also had a strong determination to overcome his fear of rejection from Penelope and the other kids at Reardan. Poverty, identity and bullying alone can be enough to destruct a path to success, however, the determination Arnold has is enough to overcome all three components.
He realizes that that he can’t reach his dreams or goals on the reservation. Everyone on the reservation does not have the determination he does. In the book one of Arnolds teachers at wellpinit on the reservation says “You’re going to find more and more hope the farther and farther you walk away from this sad, sad reservation” (Alexie 43). I think that after what his teacher told him, gave him the push that he needed to go to Reardan. A school that wasn’t on the reservation and with kids that are the total opposite of him. Reardan is a school that is made up of white students, teachers and parents. Because Reardan is filled with white people that don’t experience or have to deal with the things that Arnold does, the result is that they stereotype and bully him because of his differences. Arnold tries his hardest to fit in, but can’t because he doesn't have the same things as them. Although, towards the end and the middle of the novel, the kids at Reardan start to realize his determination as well, through his basketball skills and because of how smart he is.One person in particular is Penelope. Arnold has had a crush on her since he first saw her. Penelope didn’t really want anything to do with him at first because she also stereotyped him, but later started to develop feelings for Arnold as well. She was one of the main people who Arnold had determination to be better and get better,
He battled everything and was determined to overcome everything in his way. After reading this book and Arnold’s perspective on the Native American stereotype and the things that came along with it, I view the reservation differently. I didn’t grow up on the reservation and my family always had enough money to get the things we needed. On the reservation most families don’t get that, they’re barely getting by. While reading I had many different emotions going through me. Most of the book I was sad and felt bad about what Arnold was being dealt, but in other small parts of the book it also made myself feel determined. Arnold kept going even through his toughest times. The book also made me feel grateful. Kids on the reservation don’t get the same chances because of their stereotype and the way people view them. Therefore, this book made me feel differently about the reservation and the people on it and what they go through. This made me feel differently towards the Indian