The Quest for Identity in Sherman Alexie’s “What You Pawn I Will Redeem”
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- Category: English: Novels
- Date Submitted: 11/15/2014 11:06 AM
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The Quest for Identity in Sherman Alexie’s “What You Pawn I Will Redeem”
Sherman Alexie, a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian, was born in 1966 on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington.” [He] is a poet, writer, and filmmaker. Much of his writing draws on his experiences as a Native American growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation” ( Konigsberg). As a Native American, Alexie’s main concern is presenting his own culture and traditions not only to the American society but also to the whole world. Therefore, most of his works focus on the life of Native Americans in the Indian Reservations where those people suffer from cultural denial and lost heritage and land.
In spite of the bitterness and the sense of loss that his characters suffer, Alexie tends to use humor in presenting his plot and characters. His writings are meant to evoke sadness, but at the same time he uses humor and pop culture that leaves the readers with a sense of respect, understanding and compassion. Alexie’s influences for his literary works do not rely solely on traditional Indian forms, but instead he blends elements of culture, Indian spirituality, and the drudgery of poverty-ridden reservation life to create his characters and the world they inhabit.
This paper sheds light on Alexie’s tendency of presenting Native Americans as denied and marginalized people in their own homeland. It also examines Alexie’s “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” as a quest for self journey where the protagonist does his best to reclaim his culture, traditions and identity.
The story is told through the character of Jackson Jackson. He is a homeless alcoholic of Spokane Indian descent who finds his grandmother’s regalia at a pawn shop. He sets out on a quest to raise $1000 and gain back this family heirloom. The story focuses on the obstacles Jackson faces and the humor he uses to get through his difficult position. Through his journey Jackson comes across many people who help him achieve his goal....
Sherman Alexie, a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian, was born in 1966 on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington.” [He] is a poet, writer, and filmmaker. Much of his writing draws on his experiences as a Native American growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation” ( Konigsberg). As a Native American, Alexie’s main concern is presenting his own culture and traditions not only to the American society but also to the whole world. Therefore, most of his works focus on the life of Native Americans in the Indian Reservations where those people suffer from cultural denial and lost heritage and land.
In spite of the bitterness and the sense of loss that his characters suffer, Alexie tends to use humor in presenting his plot and characters. His writings are meant to evoke sadness, but at the same time he uses humor and pop culture that leaves the readers with a sense of respect, understanding and compassion. Alexie’s influences for his literary works do not rely solely on traditional Indian forms, but instead he blends elements of culture, Indian spirituality, and the drudgery of poverty-ridden reservation life to create his characters and the world they inhabit.
This paper sheds light on Alexie’s tendency of presenting Native Americans as denied and marginalized people in their own homeland. It also examines Alexie’s “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” as a quest for self journey where the protagonist does his best to reclaim his culture, traditions and identity.
The story is told through the character of Jackson Jackson. He is a homeless alcoholic of Spokane Indian descent who finds his grandmother’s regalia at a pawn shop. He sets out on a quest to raise $1000 and gain back this family heirloom. The story focuses on the obstacles Jackson faces and the humor he uses to get through his difficult position. Through his journey Jackson comes across many people who help him achieve his goal....