Examine the illustration on page 166 and the repetition of “laughter” on 166 and 167. What is the role of laughter in this chapter? (Vivien)

When Junior’s grandmother died, Junior and all of the other Indians at her funeral were laughing. Junior says that “when it comes to death, we know that laughter and tears are pretty much the same thing” (Alexie, 166). They are using their laughter to cover up their misery. The illustration on page 166 depicts this very well. One side of the drawing shows what the Indians are showing on the outside. Physically, they are laughing, they look and sound happy. However, on the other side of the drawing, it shows what they are actually feeling inside. The person inside looks very sad and is crying. Our physical appearance does not always match the way we are feeling. In this circumstance, the Indians are using laughter to hide the way they feel inside, in a vain attempt to feel better.