"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" Blog Post

“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”

By Lucas Peterka

               In “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”, Reardan High School is an allegory for the American education system. We know Alexie’s book contains this allegory because of Alexie’s mission, to make the American public realize the restrictive effects racism still has on millions of people. This tells us right away that Alexie intends for the issue to feel widespread, giving us the major metaphor, Reardan as the entire education system.

               Junior is used to represent the low-income, minority students attending most public schools. Discriminated against and oppressed by their peers and teachers. We can deduce this by the repetitive message that occurs throughout the book, the fact that most Indians won’t receive an adequate education. I stressed throughout the book that teachers and even the students themselves are the reasons for this. And if you recall from earlier, these are the exact oppressors who restrict Junior, and in turn, all low-income minorities.

              Alexie, however, is careful to express the idea that adults are the bulk of the problem, making the white kids befriend Junior. Alexie does this to represent the school and government leaders who work with the education system in his allegory. We know this from Junior’s rez teacher, Mr. P, who admits to destroying kids’ lives. He tells Junior of the role teachers and the government played in the destruction of Indian hope. This scene is a hint from Alexie, who is trying to get the reader to realize his allegory.

             Although it may not be the most obvious allegory, Alexie’s book still contains one. There were many hints Alexie sets throughout his book to guide us readers, however, letting us navigate the many metaphors that make up his allegory.