Classwork for Wednesday January 10th 2024.

Name: Gabriela Camacho Subject: English B

Class: 2nd DP “D” Date: 10/01/2023

This task must be done individually without using a help of Internet.

1. Read the passage and identify the theme.

Theme: Identity

2. Describe the characters presented in this passage.

Rowdy: Rowdy is the narrator’s friend (in this case Junior) who understands and
accepts the narrator’s need to leave. He is supportive, straightforward, and has a
tough exterior.
Narrator (Junior): Is an Indian who is characterized as nomadic by his friend, is
someone who is destined to leave his reservation and travel the world. He is
emotional, thoughtful, and conflicted about his decision to leave.

3. Present two arguments that support your theme.

The narrator’s conversation with Rowdy, his friend, about being nomadic reflects his
internal struggle of leaving his tribe and reservation behind. This is evident when
Rowdy mentions, “You’re the nomadic one…I always knew you were going to leave us
behind and travel the world.” This dialogue not only reveals the narrator’s identity as a
nomad but also his struggle with this identity. He is destined to leave his home in search
of better opportunities, which is a significant part of his identity. However, this decision
is not easy for him, as it means leaving his tribe and reservation behind.
On the other hand, the narrator’s emotional response to Rowdy’s acceptance of his
departure shows the pain associated with his decision to leave his home and culture. The
narrator’s tears signify the emotional pain and guilt he feels about leaving his tribe and
reservation, which is a significant part of his identity. While he is determined to leave
for a better future, he is still emotionally attached to his home and culture. This supports
the theme of identity struggle as it shows the pain of leaving one’s home and culture
behind to seek a better life

4. Discover and write five literary terms.

Foreshadowing: Rowdy’s statement, “I always knew you were going to leave us

behind and travel the world,” foreshadows the narrator’s future journey away from the
reservation.

Symbolism: The term “nomadic” symbolizes the narrator’s journey and his struggle
with leaving his home and tribe.

Dialogue: The conversation between the narrator and Rowdy provides insight into their
characters and their relationship, as well as the theme of the story.

Internal Conflict: The narrator’s struggle with leaving his tribe and reservation, and his
feelings of guilt and sadness, represent his internal conflict.
Imagery: The description of the narrator and Rowdy playing basketball until dark
creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind, symbolizing their deep bond and shared
history.

5. Produce a thesis.
The passage fromt The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie
addresses the teme of identity, which is expressed through two literary characters -
Rowdy and Junior - try to find a better future, having to make hard decisios. Further, the
setting is an indicative of evolution and sentimentality.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

by Sherman Alexie

"So I looked up nomadic in the dictionary, and it means people who move around, who
keep moving, in search of food and water and grazing land."
"That sounds about right."
"Well, the thing is, I don't think Indians are nomadic anymore. Most Indians, anyway."
"No, we're not," I said.
"I'm not nomadic," Rowdy said. "Hardly anybody on this rez is nomadic. Except for you
You're the nomadic one."
"Whatever."
"No, I'm serious. I always knew you were going to leave. I always knew you were
going to leave us behind and travel the world. I had this dream about you a few months
ago. You were standing on the Great Wall of China. You looked happy. And I was
happy for you."
Rowdy didn't cry. But I did.
"You're an old-time nomad," Rowdy said. "You're going to keep moving all over the
world in search of food and water and grazing land. That's pretty cool."
I could barely talk.
"Thank you," I said.
"Yeah," Rowdy said. "Just make sure you send me post cards, you asshole."
"From everywhere," I said.
I would always love Rowdy. And I would always miss him, too. Just as I would always
love and miss my grandmother, my big sister, and Eugene.
Just as I would always love and miss my reservation and my tribe.
I hoped and prayed that they would someday forgive me for leaving them.
I hoped and prayed that I would someday forgive myself for leaving them.
"Ah, man," Rowdy said. "Stop crying."
"Will we still know each other when we're old men?" I asked.
"Who knows anything?" Rowdy asked.
Then he threw me the ball.
"Now quit your blubbering," he said. "And play ball."
I wiped my tears away, dribbled once, twice, and pulled up for a jumper.
Rowdy and I played one-on-one for hours. We played until dark.