True Diary Of A Part Time Indian English Literature Essay

In the novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, we follow the story of Junior, a young reservation Indian who combats poverty along with oppression in his life-time. Although Junior struggles with several types of oppression like racism and classism through his classmates and his fellow reservation Indians, he overcomes this brutality through hope and persistent determination

Trapped in an oppressive community, and searching for hope, Junior is desperate to get out. When talking about his parents Junior states, “But we reservation Indians don’t get to realize our dreams. We don’t get those chances. Or choices. We’re just poor. That's all we are.” (9). Due to his social and economic class, Junior does not get many of the same opportunities that many people his age with different races or social classes might get. In another conversation with his teacher, Mr. P, Mr. P mentions to Junior, “your sister wanted to be a writer” (38). Junior’s sister wanted to be a writer, but due to her economic status, she never had the opportunity to pursue this career. Being a Native American in this time comes with many adversities for Junior, especially since he is also disabled, and as a result does not look conventionally ‘normal’. Further toward the end of the book when in a conversation with the school counselor, Miss Warren, it is revealed to Junior that his sister has died. After persistently asking Miss Warren how Mary had died he finally asks “Was my sister murdered?” (166). Junior immediately questioning if his sister was murdered goes to show that as a Native American in this society can affect your way of thinking. Juniors first thought was that his sister was murdered because of how targeted Native Americans are in today's world.

Enduring many hardships and losses, Junior has to learn how to confront these issues and move past them in order to continue on with his life. Junior overcomes these calamities by relying on his family. After his school year at Reardan Junior spends time bonding with his family now coming to the realization that he may not have them forever. Junior remarks, “in a crazy and drunk life, you have to hold on to the good and sober moments.” (178). After all the catastrophes Junior has faced he overcomes his trials through strong determination,

At the end of the novel, Junior has come to the understanding that though living a tough life he has to hold value to the crucial moments. Junior has been through many miseries in his life-time. Although heavily suppressed by everyone around him, Junior faces his sufferings with a hopeful outlook.