The significance of Gordy and Arnold's friendship is that Arnold really needed a friend, and Gordy filled the open spot. Arnold used to have a friend, Rowdy, that always looked after him, cared for him, and had his back. However, since Rowdy punched him, Arnold has felt as if there is no one supporting him, even though he hasn't said it. Now that Gordy and Arnold have become friends, he no longer feels as alone. He now has somebody who will have his back. "... Gordy believed in me. He wouldn't let me give up"(94).
This quote shows that there is somebody who does really care for Arnold, which is indeed significant. Nobody at the reservation thinks rather highly of Arnold. He has not had many friends in his life. Gordy's significance is that he fills the emptiness that Rowdy created when he left Junior, and tries to help Arnold fit in.
Another importance of Gordy is that he reassures some of Junior's confidence. Arnold was quite low on confidence before Gordy and he became friends. He went into him own sad depression cloud until Gordy pulled him out. Gordy was the only person there for Arnold. Overall, the importance of Gordy is that he filled an empty space, and boosted Junior's confidence when nobody was there for him.
What do you think of their friendship? How long to you believe it will last? Do you think that Gordy is a better or worse friend than Rowdy?
What traits do Arnold and Gordy have in common that makes them friends?
I think Arnold and Gordy's friendship is better than Arnold, and Rowdy's in some ways, but I also think it is worse in some ways. I think that Rowdy gave up on Arnold too easily sometimes, and although he always stuck up for him, he tried to toughen Arnold. He might have been doing it unintentionally, or to help him, but he was definitely toughening Arnold. Gordy always helps Arnold, and explains things to him even if he thinks it seems obvious, and it's just annoying. Gordy won't let Arnold give up. Rowdy told Arnold to give up sometimes. Rowdy and Arnold knew each other for longer though, so they shared secrets, dreams, and personal things with each other, and knew they could trust each other. Gordy, and Arnold haven't developed that sort of trust yet, so they don't tell each other as much, but they're still good friends for each other, and can develop that trust as their friendship strengthens, and continues to grow.
ReplyDeleteI sort of agree with you, yes Gordy filled Juniors empty friend slot and helps him with homework and studying, but that is all he does. Junior says “so we did become friends. Not the best of friends. Not like Rowdy and me. We didn’t share secrets. Or dreams. No, we studied together” (94). Gordy is like smooth section on a bumpy bike ride, not like Rowdy who is a smooth slope. He is Junior's friend but they do not really “love” each other. Gordy is simply a break from being invisible at Reardan.
ReplyDeleteWhat would have happened if Arnold had become friends with another person?
Not sure if my account is working so this is William just to make sure...
ReplyDeleteTo Arnold, who has very few friends Rowdy and Gordy fill the void. Rowdy was Arnold's best, and only friend, and they fit like a puzzle piece. Rowdy always protected Arnold, and Arnold was good company for Rowdy. On the other hand, there is Gordy, a smart, white, most likely rich kid, who accepts Junior. Rowdy and Gordy each hold a very different role. Rowdy likes to fight and is not very smart, and Gordy I am assuming has never been in a fight, and is very smart. These two personalities impact Junior in an important way and form who he is.
I do almost think that Gordy is a better friend than Rowdy, because I feel like he gives Arnold more than just security. Although Rowdy gained Arnold’s trust and they were very close, it seemed like they were just friends to protect one another from everything else around them. Although that is important, I feel like that was all Rowdy gave to him, whereas Gordy has more benefits. For example, he gives Arnold a new perspective. Also, I feel like the two can really relate to one another, as they are both outcasts for being smart. Even though Rowdy and Arnold connected on loneliness too, he could never understand Arnold’s hope and determination like Gordy can.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Gordy and Juniors friendship is a good thing. Having someone like you to spend time with and receive support from will encourage Junior to work harder in school. Gordy and Juniors friendship, I believe will last but like every friendship, they will not be friend for a little while and then get back together. I think Gordy is a better friend Junior because they are not going to school in the Rez. When Junior went to school in the Rez he needed someone to watch him and protect him. Now that he is not going to school in such a violent place having a smart, kind, encouraging friend will help Junior push himself in school and as a human being.
ReplyDeleteI beileve that Gordy and Juniors is benefiting Arnold. I say this because he is helping him and giving him good tips. I also feel like that each of them will kind of friendly compete for better grades. This will make Arnold strive to be better. But Gordy also seems like a very good friend out of the classroom. Although they talk about school related stuff , they are still friends. Gordy is a great friend for Arnold because he will push him to be better.
ReplyDelete