Cartoons in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"
This page focuses on three significant cartoons drawn by Junior in the novel, each representing important themes and moments in his journey.
Cartoon on Page 55: The Crossroads
The first cartoon depicts a signpost with four signs. Two signs point to the right, labeled "hope" and "???", while two point to the left, marked "rez" and "home". Junior stands next to the signpost, looking apprehensive. To the left, there are two trees, two huts, and a moose, representing the reservation.
Highlight: This cartoon symbolizes Junior's pivotal decision to leave the familiar confines of the reservation in search of a better future.
The imagery powerfully illustrates Junior's internal conflict as he contemplates leaving his home for an uncertain but potentially more promising path. The "???" sign emphasizes the unknown nature of his future off the reservation.
Definition: "Rez" is a colloquial term for reservation, highlighting the cultural context of Junior's decision.
Cartoon on Page 62: The White Pegasus
The second cartoon features a Pegasus flying happily among clouds, with the word "white" repeated beneath it. This illustration represents Junior's perception of white people's lives.
Highlight: Junior's cartoon reflects his idealized view of white people's lives as consistently positive and perfect, akin to a heavenly existence.
This imagery underscores Junior's naïve understanding of racial differences and his initial belief that being white automatically equates to a better life. It also hints at the cultural stereotypes and misconceptions that Junior will confront throughout the story.
Cartoon on Page 67: The Split Identity
The third cartoon depicts a person split in half, with one side representing a white individual and the other an Indian. Each side is annotated with characteristics Junior associates with that identity.
Example: The white side includes positive attributes like "good future" and "expensive clothes", while the Indian side lists "bad family history" and "cheap clothes".
This powerful visual metaphor encapsulates Junior's struggle with his dual identity and the stark contrasts he perceives between white and Indian lives. It illustrates his internal conflict and the stereotypes he's grappling with as he tries to reconcile his heritage with his aspirations.
Vocabulary: Dual identity refers to the experience of belonging to or identifying with two distinct cultural or social groups simultaneously.
These cartoons collectively answer the question "Warum zeichnet Junior im „Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"?" Junior uses his art as a means of self-expression, to process his experiences, and to visually represent the complex emotions and ideas he's struggling to articulate verbally. Through these illustrations, readers gain deeper insight into Junior's psychological journey and the themes of cultural identity, racial stereotypes, and personal growth that are central to the novel.
