Theory and "deeper moments"

     Theory for "Part-Time Indian"

Having a “feeling of desire and expectation towards a certain thing” [Google search] is exactly what gives us a motivational drive needed to make changes in our lives, while we’re setting aside and pushing past our daily routines, which may not always be accepted in everyone’s eyes, but will be what we need to reach our desired goal(s), believing it will positively change both our lives  and those affected by us; Junior experienced this same burning desire called “hope”.

"deeper moments"

 

******   “monster pine tree... the reservation skyscraper” (page 224)

******   “Rowdy and I climbed toward the top of the tree, to the bottom of the sky.” (page 225)

I believe the "monster pine tree" represented two things, one of which showed the true strength and backbone [which was lost and forgotten] of the families of Wellpinit behind the torments, abuses, and sorrows. It also represented their strength that was growing inside, which showed through Junior.

The climb Junior did with Rowdy showed the several stages had to go through to reach his current point in life. The base [near the foundation] of the tree had strong thick branches, [representing the beginning stages of its going process], enabling it to withstand tremendous weight. As Junior encountered several obstacle both physical, having to deal with continuous brain damage from water on the brain and frequent seizures,  and mental/physical abuse from peers teasing bullying, and not fully excepting him for who he is, due to his indifference from the rest of the tribe. He continued to hold on to the strong foundation of his hope and believe there will be a better and brighter day.

The middle part of the tree although is thinner and not as strong as the base, still its branches are strong and can withstand a lot of weight without bending or cracking.  This area represents when Junior had decided to follow his desire and put it into action by going to Reardan.  From this decision he faced several oppositions from both his tribe at Wellpinit and his new classmates.  In the beginning of the near school he had to show just how strong his spirit [willingness] to push towards his desires of achievement were, not just to himself, but also to his peers. At a mid-point in his life he often times wanted to give up [going back down the tree], but he kept pushing ‘climbing and climbing’.

“Ten feet from the top”, Rowdy and Junior were holding on for dear life while at the same time being able to see “the big picture” of the whole village, to see the beauty that’s been right in front of them, but forgotten. This represented a time in Junior’s life where he made a lot of big and little steps driven by his hope for something better, for himself, his family, and his community. Junior held on to his hope so strong, it kept him motivated to get through the first year at Reardan. As the wind blew the two boys holding on for dear life, Junior held on to his hope as his life and the life of his people depended on it. The ten feet shows Junior has not yet reached (complete) his goal, but he still has a ways to go before he gets there. He will make it if he doesn’t let go and hold on to his hope, surrounding himself with hope, and keep in his heart that hope will return to his people.