Junior’s friendship with Gordy helps to give him hope. Gordy’s
friendship helps him get through his life. It helps Junior “keep keeping”. “[Gordy]
certainly helped [Junior] through school. He not only tutored [Junior] and
challenged [Junior], but he made [Junior] realize that hard work – that the act
of finishing, of completing, of accomplishing a task – is joyous.” (Alexie 98).
Their friendship helps to keep Junior from giving up. If he, one of the
self-described “weirdest” Indians can make a friend in a white society, what
does it mean for other Indians? Junior’s friendship gives him inspiration, that
one day he and his children might be successful, and break the cycle of giving
up.
I agree with you about how Gordy gives Arnold hope. One thing I would add would be that Arnold was inspired by his sister moving away from the reservation. Arnold had thought that his sister had given up, but she did not. Now, Arnold is making a big effort o make a friend. I agree that it is important that Gordy taught Arnold that accomplishing a task through hard work is a great way to feel joy.
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