Sherman Alexie Response

[Jesse]

In the novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie, there are many characters and themes in regards to these characters that stand out prolifically amongst others within the piece. I would like to bring into conversation the two characters that, when viewed based on nothing beyond their individual personalities and not their effects on Junior, seem to be polar opposites. Rowdy and Gordy, the two binaries in this novel actually play very unlikely roles as mirroring characters. Yes, Rowdy likes to punch people and things when he is frustrated, and Gordy enjoys to read and learn, so one can easily see that these traits are not why they are seen as so similar in Alexie's piece. The savage and the intellectual some may say; both young men have an extremely imperative role in relation to Junior, and that is the one of protector. Whether it be physically, verbally, or intellectually, both of these characters offer a role that Junior seemingly needs to survive. Junior needs Rowdy on the reservation for his own safety and well-being, but Junior is abandoned by his best friend when he chooses to attend Reardan. Cue Gordy; Gordy makes one of his first impressions on Junior when he is able to stand up for him in science class during a discussion about petrified wood. Gordy also stated that he was not protecting Junior but merely protecting the name of science. It is the reader's interpretation to decide if this is true or not, but who is to say that Rowdy did not have similar motivations? Gordy must protect the name of science through his saving of Junior, while it may be true that Rowdy feels inclined to protect the little guy for his own well-being. The parallels between these characters go on and on as far as protecting Junior, but it is to note as well that they are both good friends to him in the aspect of them calling him out on being "a racist asshole" for his objectifying love towards Penelope. The two of them may seem completely opposite, but they are consistently there to protect and offer advice to the potentially only mutual interest they share in their lives.