Diary of a Part-Time Indian Essay

“The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian” (PTI) is a novel written by Sherman Alexie. The novel follows a Native-American teenage boy named Arnold who lives on a reservation that has to suffer through the troubles of being the only Indian teenager in an all white school at Reardan. The challenges that confronted him when he started at Reardan seemed menacing, but through his personal spirit and courage he was able to achieve success at the school. Some of Arnold’s successes include his triumph in the Varsity basketball team as their “secret weapon”, his academic efforts and his charismatic persona which helped him blend into the all white school.
Basketball was something that Arnold Spirit was decent at on the Reservation, but when he moved schools to Reardan, he became a vital part of the Varsity Basketball team, which he attained through his determination. Arnold’s personal spirit is shown in the basketball try-outs when he admits that “Ninety-percent of me wanted to take the break. ... if I (Arnold) took the break I would never make the team. ‘I’ll take him on again’ I said.” Arnold tells us that he wanted to give up because he was tired and worn-out, yet he kept at it, in hopes that he would make the team. Through his determination and grit, Arnold was accepted into Reardan’s Varsity Basketball team. When Reardan versed Wellpinit for the rematch, Arnold’s personal spirit and courage led him to new confidence and skills, as shown in the text:” ‘I’m guarding you.’ … ‘Not tonight, tonight’s my night.’ … But for once in my life I jumped higher than Rowdy. … then I took my three-pointer and buried it.” This section of the novel is very strong as it shows how all of Arnold’s courage has pulled through and put him on top. Basketball has been a major part of Arnold’s success, and it’s all due to his personal courage and spirit.

Arnold was the cleverest kid on the reservation, and with his courage and spirit he became part of the top of his Reardan class.