What It Means to Say Phoneix Arizona Essay Example

written for Time magazine. In this article, he reveals that Thomas experienced a brain injury at birth and continues to have visionary seizures as an adult (Alexie). Since this information is not provided in the short story, readers are left to speculate about Thomas' mental state.

Though they had been childhood friends and shared a close bond, Victor and Thomas find themselves in different paths now. Victor, who has embraced a more modern Native American lifestyle, treats Thomas just like the rest of the reservation does - with distance and indifference. Thomas expresses his condolences to Victor about his father's passing, leading Victor to question how he knew about it. In response, Thomas explains that he heard about it through the wind, birds, and felt it in the sunlight. He also mentions that Victor's mother was seen crying. Additionally, Thomas offers to help Victor financially on the condition that he takes him to Phoenix.

Thomas expresses his need to contemplate the matter at hand and heads home, prompting his mind to revisit the cherished memories they shared during their youth. Alexie skillfully delves into the past, transporting the readers to the days when they were innocent boys and inseparable friends. Although these flashbacks may initially seem to merely complement the short story, their significance runs much deeper. Victor's initial reminiscence is triggered by a recollection of Thomas and his tendency to constantly voice his thoughts (910).

At the age of seven, Thomas shares a vision with Victor, expressing his knowledge that Victor's father will soon abandon their family. This revelation sparks curiosity among readers regarding Thomas's mental condition and raises the possibility that he may

possess a unique ability to foresee events. It also adds to the perception of Thomas as an eccentric storyteller. Victor accepts Thomas's assistance and together they embark on a journey to Phoenix.

Another flashback occurs when the boys are fifteen years old. Victor, inebriated, physically assaults Thomas. This incident greatly impacts Thomas, leaving him with a sense of sorrow and defeat. Thomas even experiences a lack of inspiration as he closes his eyes and "no stories came to him" (913). Upon their arrival in Phoenix, Victor makes a stop outside his father's trailer where he apologizes to Thomas for the past beatings. This moment offers readers an initial glimpse into Victor's remorse for his past mistreatment of Thomas.

The text recounts a series of flashbacks that highlight the bond between Victor and Thomas. In one instance, when Victor was twelve years old, he found himself trapped in a wasp nest, but Thomas came to his rescue, preventing any serious harm. This memory serves as a reminder of Thomas's constant support for Victor, and it marks a shift in Victor's perception of Thomas. Subsequently, another flashback is triggered by Victor's question about his father, prompting Thomas to recount a dream he had as a thirteen-year-old instructing him to go to Spokane.

Within this dream, Thomas is instructed to travel to Spokane. His purpose is to stand near the Falls located in the city and wait for a sign. As Thomas waits at the falls, he encounters Victor's father, who questions his presence there. Concerned for Thomas' safety, Victor's father decides to pick him up, treat him to dinner, and drive him back to the reservation. During

their conversation, Victor's father assures Thomas that he won't reveal his escape as long as Thomas agrees to watch over Victor. This interaction offers readers further insight into Thomas' character traits and the underlying reason for his journey to Phoenix.

This paragraph demonstrates how Alexie cleverly uses hidden meanings to develop the characters in his short story. It includes a flashback where Thomas is in school and faces ostracism due to his storytelling. The flashback highlights Thomas' pain from being rejected by his own people and provides insight into why he tells stories. Thomas shares a deeply personal detail about his mother's death during childbirth and mentions that he has no siblings.

Thomas reveals that he possesses a multitude of stories from his past, which formed even before he gained the ability to articulate them verbally. His early experiences allowed him to absorb an extensive range of narratives prior to taking his initial steps. These stories hold significant importance to him as they constitute his sole possessions. The revelation enhances readers' comprehension of Thomas's character while further exemplifying the traditions and principles that deeply resonate within him. Ultimately, the story's plot reaches its conclusion as the characters return to the reservation, symbolizing the dawn of a new day on earth but a perpetuation of familiar problems on the reservation. Thus, no transformation is anticipated between the two individuals.

Victor continues to treat Thomas in the same manner as he always has, but he ultimately decides to give Thomas half of his father's ashes as a gesture of reconciliation. Thomas graciously accepts, offering to scatter the ashes at the spot where Victor's father discovered him.

However, Thomas does make one request: that Victor pause and truly listen when Thomas shares a story. This brief tale holds numerous hidden meanings, showcasing Alexie's exceptional skill as an author who draws upon his heritage and culture to craft this narrative.

This particular short story provides readers with a glimpse into the lives of two Native Americans, potentially altering their perception of them as a whole. The flashbacks utilized in the story serve to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the context. Alexie's inclusion of these flashbacks transforms an ordinary story into a vivid tale depicting a lost friendship, unlikely to ever be repaired due to the circumstances. The story also highlights the growth experienced by both characters. For Victor, it showcases his maturation, as well as providing closure to a part of his life through the death of his father and the time spent with Thomas.

Despite everything, Thomas will continue being the eccentric storyteller. Additionally, he will fulfill his commitment to Victor's father by watching over Victor and ensuring his safety.