Is Rowdy a Good Friend for Arnold?
Friends can betray. Stronger ones, like Rowdy, always defeat the weak, like Arnold. Even if a friend is everything to a person, that person would eventually be led by a light far more beautiful than his or her friend. As soon as the person is attracted by something greater than his friend in his eyes, betrayal happens.
Rowdy isn't like that. He is the "stronger one" for sure and would be eventually forced to give up his friend, but he doesn't show any signs of betrayal. He even tries to change Arnold in a good way. He tells Arnold that he can't hide inside forever (18).
Rowdy protects Arnold. He is the toughest kid and is long, lean, and strong (15). He asks if Arnold wants to go to a powwow celebration. When Arnold rejects the offer, since he knows that he would get beaten up, but Rowdy promises Arnold that he would protect Arnold.
Another example of Rowdy being a good friend of Arnold's is when the Andruss brothers beat Arnold calling him names. He sneaks into their camp and cut the hairs that were precious to them.
Rowdy is cold hearted, mean, and rough. However, to Arnold, Rowdy is his only friend. Arnold does not have to be scared that Rowdy would betray him, because Rowdy tries to help Arnold and get revenges on people who hurt Arnold. From this, we know that Arnold trusts Rowdy.
Going back to when Rowdy tells Arnold that Arnold can't hide at home forever, could Rowdy change Arnold? Is Arnold really a good friend for Arnold? Why or why not? Would Rowdy eventually betray Arnold?
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ReplyDeleteRowdy has almost fully accepted his life in poverty at the rez, while Arnold still has hope, and could very well turn his lifeboats into bigger boats to possibly aid an escape from poverty. Rowdy may not be the right person for Arnold as he has no hope for his life at the rez, but I do think that if Arnold were to succeed in his escape his friendship with Rowdy would come into great jeopardy. Rowdy seems to hold Arnold back from things, as Arnold seems to listen to him as seen on page 18 when Rowdy convinces him to go to the powwow. Although this is just a party that didn't change much, it shows us that Rowdy could very much be what is/would hold Arnold back from an escape from poverty. This makes me think that Rowdy has the power to change Arnold's mind about his poverty, and his need for an escape, and if Arnold were to listen to him he too would turn cold and mean. On the other hand if Arnold ignores Rowdy then their friendship could very well quickly disappear. No matter what path he chooses, Arnold will loose something, but I think his desire for an escape will help win him over.
ReplyDelete11/2/2016-Sanya Goenka
ReplyDeleteIs Rowdy really a good friend for Arnold?
Rowdy and Arnold are very close. They both have very different personalities and sometimes they may clash. They had to chose each other, as they are all they have on the reservation, but he isn't the best friend. Arnold does say that "he is my best human friend and he cares about me, so he would always tell me the truth," (16). Yet, Arnold also mentions that Rowdy has a different background so he thinks differently. Arnold says that "his heart is as strong and mean as a snake too,"(15). Since Rowdy is not afraid to tell Arnold the truth, Arnold isn't afraid to tell Rowdy the truth. It does seem that even when they are having a conversation Rowdy is a bit too pushy and thinks he knows Arnold completely, but he doesn't. The difference between them is the Arnold has hope and Rowdy doesn't. Rowdy may seem very protective, but the second Arnold does something Rowdy doesn't like. Rowdy would betray him. A true fried would support another friend no matter what, even if they make some bad decisions, they would still be friends. Even if others think it is strange that they are friends, they would still be friends. A true friend may not have to be kind or gentle, but they should be accepting and supportive. Those are two qualities that Rowdy has not yet shown. So I would not think he is a good friend for Arnold because they are too different and don't understand each other well enough. This could lead to some sort of compilation in the story. They are only friends because of the circumstances that they are under.
Rowdy may not be the best influence for Arnold, but he is still a good friend. Arnold is lucky that he has someone to stand up for him. Even though Rowdy is tough, they still get along and that's what's important. I also think that Rowdy needs somebody to rely on, especially because of all he goes through at home.
ReplyDeleteBut Rowdy also seems closed-minded and harsh. If Arnold were to offend Rowdy, I think that Rowdy world definitely betray his friend. When things get tense, Rowdy often beats people up. So although I think Rowdy is not a bad person, I am a little bit scared for Arnold. - Kate 11-3-16
Is Rowdy a Good Friend for Arnold?
ReplyDeleteI think that Rowdy is a good friend for Arnold now but as time goes on Rowdy is going to get rougher and he will be convinced to stop protecting Arnold. Arnold needs good long term friends and Rowdy will only come back and bite Arnold in the back. Rowdy will start to talk to others and they will tell him to stop talking to Arnold. If this happens Arnold will have no friends so he should make new ones now. Rowdy is a good friend now but as time goes on he will not be.