The short story of “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” by Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie
Sherman Joseph Alexie Jr. is a Spokane-Coeur d'Alene-American novelist, short story writer, poet, and filmmaker. His writings draw on his experiences as an Indigenous American with ancestry from several tribes. He grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation and now lives in Sea…
What is the message in this is what it means to say Phoenix Arizona?
In Sherman Alexie's “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona”, the author presents a multitude of themes, such as forgiveness and self identity; however the imperative theme throughout the story was loneliness.
Who is Thomas in This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix Arizona?
“This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” is a short story by Sherman Alexie in which Victor and his friend Thomas drive to Arizona to collect Victor's father's ashes. Victor receives word that his absentee father has died in Arizona.
Why is it that Victor and Thomas Cannot be friends when they return to the reservation?
In "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona," Victor and Thomas cannot be friends when they return to the reservation because Thomas is ostracized in their community and Victor does not wish to suffer rejection by befriending him.
How is Victor portrayed in This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix Arizona?
Summary Of This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix Arizona In this story, Victor appeared to be mentally depressed because his father had died just after he lost his job. Although Victor's father left Victor at very young age, Victor's genetic pain made him think to travel to Phoenix.
How did Thomas break his arm as a boy in This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona?
Victor and Thomas climbed into the pickup, drove over to the bank, and claimed the three hundred dollars in the savings account. Thomas Builds-the-Fire could fly. Once, he jumped off the roof of the tribal school and flapped his arms like a crazy eagle.
How does Victor feel after realizing that he couldn't really be friends with Thomas even after all that has happened Alexie 1179 )?
“Victor knew that he couldn't really be friends with Thomas even after all that happened. It was cruel but it was real.” Before they part, Thomas asks victor to listen to one of his stories sometime in the future. Victor agrees with a wave of his arm and departs.
Why did Sherman Alexie write This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix Arizona?
“This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix Arizona” by Sherman Alexie represents rebirth and friendship. The story tells of the reawakening for Victor where he finds himself, thanks to Thomas-Builds-the-Fire. Victor comes to peace with himself, where before he was filled wrath.
What purpose do the flashbacks to the two men's childhood serve?
The flashbacks serve to provide information of the characters history and explain their actions.
What It Means to Say Phoenix Arizona movie?
Smoke SignalsThe film won several awards and accolades, and was well received at numerous film festivals....Smoke Signals (film)Smoke SignalsBased on"This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" by Sherman AlexieProduced byLarry Estes Scott Rosenfelt15 more rows
What does it mean to say Phoenix Arizona?
" This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" is a short story by Sherman Alexie in which Victor and his friend Thomas drive to Arizona to collect Victor's father's ashes. Victor's receives word that his absentee father has died in Arizona. Victor asks his friend Thomas to accompany him on ...
How did Thomas fly in the fourth book?
In the fourth, Thomas “flies” by jumping from the roof of the tribal school to the cheers of all the Indian children. Though Thomas crashed and broke his arm, he was a hero to Victor that day. As Victor gets older, he loses his belief in Thomas’s visions and, while drunk, beats up Thomas for no apparent reason.
What does Thomas tell Victor about his father?
Significantly Thomas tells Victor that his father will then “rise like a salmon, leap over the bridge, over me, and find his way home.”. The story ends with Victor promising Thomas that one time, “just once,” he will stop and listen to one of his stories.
Introduction
The story “This is what it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” contains various symbolic elements and phrases representing the decline of the Native American culture and the gradual loss of traditions in favor of modernity.
Understanding the Symbolism in the Story
There are 3 primary symbolic elements that should be taken into consideration in order to understand the rebirth analogy that is at the heart of the story, these elements are: the word Phoenix, heat and ashes.
Understanding the Role of Thomas Builds-the-Fire
When examining the story from start to finish it becomes apparent that the life of Victor is in turmoil, he has recently lost his job and his father just died which facilitates the various events and conflicts seen in the story.
Underlying Point in the Story
When examining the relationship between Thomas and Victor in the story as well as its conclusion one cannot help but think of the symbolism between traditional Native American culture and the apparent antagonism it has with the new path that the Native American people are taking.
Answer
1.I believe the story about friendship refers to how you may drift apart due to differences, but if the friendship is meant to be then they will find their way back to each other.
New questions in English
Plz help ;-; 20 points Suppose you read this sentence in a science report: "The overuse of germ-killing soaps is making some diseases more dangerous. …