The friendship between Junior and Gordy is important to Junior because that's what makes Junior feels like a human. In school, Junior is the only Indian, he is the different one. Sometimes, he feels like that he isn’t a human being. After Junior went to Reardon, he was ignored by kids, and treated like idiots by the teachers. “I shrank back into my chair and remembered when I used to be a human being.” (Alexie 86) This quote is mentioned after Junior corrected the teacher’s statement, but instead of complementing Junior; the teacher made fun of Junior for coming from a rez and telling him the “wrong information”. The teacher finally committed to Junior’s answer when the class genius, Gordy, who is now Junior’s friend said that Junior is right. Later, Gordy helped Junior go through the school year by teaching him how to study and how to read. He also brought Junior to a small library and taught Junior, how even a small place like the library, it is filled with mysteries.
Cecilia, I agree that having Gordy as a friend makes Junior feel more significant at his new school. Being the only Indian at his school is hard enough for Junior, so when he finally makes a friend he feels accepted. Also Junior appreciates and likes when Gordy teaches him things. I think its important to remember that Gordy didn't always treat him as a friend, but he has overlooked their differences and now are becoming friends.
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