The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Haven Essay Example
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Haven Essay Example

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Haven Essay Example

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Victor Joseph continually struggles to establish his true identity in a land that feels foreign to his Indian roots. He expresses bitterness and despair during the transition from childhood to adulthood, reminiscing about his ex-girlfriend when he encounters a 7-11 clerk with a similar appearance during the "graveyard shift." He describes how he would quickly flee in his vehicle after a fight. Victor often finds himself conflicted with his identity, leading to real-life manifestations. As he states, "Sometimes, though, I would forget where I was and get lost. I’d drive for hours searching for something familiar." These experiences frequently lead to anger and fierce battles with friends, such as when he attacked Frenchy during their first-grade snowball fight.

Victor exhibits discriminatory behavior, such as

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dismissing fellow Indians who don't fit certain Indian stereotypes. An example of this is when he decides to end a relationship with a waitress he met at the Bread Strand and Powwow because she doesn't embody the characteristics of a real Indian, despite initially growing close to her (Alexie, 2005). Additionally, Victor is eager to embrace a particular lifestyle and desires to reconnect with his Native American heritage. This is evident in his statement: "...a good day to die and a good day to play the piano" (Alexie, 2005, p.146). Here, he articulates the contrast between his current circumstances and the joy he finds when playing the piano. He further illustrates this through his focus on the beauty of an Indian boy's black hair and the hidden beauty of a cracked piece of glass while playing the piano (Alexie, 2005).

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