Mr . P tells Arnold to leave the reservation because the reservation is a very sad place where everyone has “given up” (P.42). He also tells Arnold “..the only thing you kids are being taught is how to give up” (P.42). This is demonstrating Arnold and almost every kids attitude on the reservation that there ugly and that they aren't good enough. What Mr.P is telling Arnold is that he can do big things and he believes in him after he saw his sister's abilities. Mr.P knows he's a talented kid and that he won't succeed in a community where everyone is trying to tear him down and tell him he can't make it. Mr.P although he doesn't love Arnold but he knows that he can succeed and do big things and the res won't help him do it, as he said he will get brought down and fade.
He also said “ You cant give up.You wont give up.You threw that book in my face because somewhere inside you refuse to give up.”(P.43). I think what Mr.P is saying here is that if you didn't care you would have seen your mother's name and not done anything. But you didn't you saw your mother's name and chucked it right at my face. That shows you care you think you deserve better. If you weren't like that you would have said were too poor for new books no wonder I have my mothers from 30 years ago we don't deserve better were complete losers. Arnold hasn't lost belief in himself and Mr.P sees that and hopes that Arnold can ride that belief out of the res and to somewhere he can succeed, fulfill his full potential.
Do you think Arnold will ditch the reservation? Why? What will he tell his parents? How does he explain his departure from the res? Where does he go next? Do you think Arnold will go on to do big things?
Arnold can leave the reservation since, as Mr. P. said, he still hasn't given up his life yet. The way Mr. P. said it shook Arnold, and Arnold decided to trust Mr. P. He will be determined to become a great person with hopes and ambitions.
ReplyDelete