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Harper Bradshaw

F Block Honors Lit

Smith

5/23/2025

H Native American Lit In-Class Assessment

In the short story, “The Red Convertible,” Louise Erdich uses the red convertible to

symbolize the relationship between the two brothers, Lyman and Henry, representing both love

and war. Initially, the car signified their bond and shaped happiness. They pool their money to

buy it, embarking on joyful adventures together. Erdrich writes, “We went places in that car, me

and Henry. We took off driving all one whole summer” (Erdrich 2). This passage highlights the

carefree and loving times they experienced. The red color of the car symbolizes the deep love

they have for each other, as they create cherished memories during that summer. These moments

become particularly important as they are some of Henry's last happy memories before going to

war.

Furthermore, the red convertible also represents the impact of war on Henry and his

relationship with Lyman. After returning from the Vietnam war, Henry is fundamentally

changed, and this affects their bond. Lymon writes, “Henry was different, and I'll say this: the

change was no good” (Lyman 6). The once vibrant and joyful car, like Henry, deteriorates. The

brothers struggle to reconnect, and their conflict reflects Henry's internal battle. The red color on

the car, once a symbol of love, now also signifies the blood and trauma of war. In a final attempt

to restore their relationship, Lyman damages the car, hoping to draw Henry out. Though they

managed to briefly bond over repairing it, Henry's trauma shows it is incapable of being

overcome. His tragic end, intertwined with the car, demonstrates how the war had irreversibly
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changed him. The red convertible, therefore, symbolizes both the brothers’ enduring love and the

war's devastating impact on Henry.