Examples Of What Connection Between Is There By Tommy Orange

Connections The novel, There There, by Tommy Orange explains the life stories of twelve people from Native American communities all coming to the Big Oakland Powwow. Some characters are friends, some are family, and some don’t know each other. Throughout the book, you slowly see the characters coming together and learn how they connect with each other. The stories begin at childhood and explain the good and the bad leading up to the Big Oakland Powwow. Have you ever met a stranger and after talking found out they aren’t so much of a stranger? Maybe they are related to you or have relations with those around you. You might find out you used to date the same person or have lived in the same house. Strangers aren’t always as distant as you may think. These characters are connected through their shared Native American culture. Many of the characters have a painful and exhausting experience excepting their identity due to the inferior involvement

Each character has experiences hardships in their life that have left them feeling isolated and alone. Some similarities include family members passing away, parents leaving, and abuse. However, as the novel progresses, the characters begin to realize that they are not alone in their struggles. They form connections with one another and find strength in their shared experiences. Daniel Gonzales loses his brother, Manny, through drug violence but his friends Calvin and Charles Johnson show they care and connect by losing someone important. Another example is Jacquie Red Feather and Harvey bond over their struggles with alcohol addiction. Although they don’t have a lot in common, they can vocalize their similarities through addiction. Through these connections, they are able to confront their past traumas and addictions and begin to heal. In this way, the novel highlights the importance of community and connection in overcoming