Flight Sherman Alexie Analysis

In Flight, Sherman Alexie tells the story of a young Native American foster child named Zits who embarks on a time-traveling journey through different moments in American history to come to terms with his traumatic past and identity. Through this novel, Alexie explores the themes of historical trauma, revenge, and the search for true justice, themes that he has also addressed in his previous works. In "Powwow at the End of the World," for example, Alexie portrays a scene in which Indigenous people gather for a powwow and lament the loss of their voice and agency, highlighting the impact of historical trauma on Indigenous communities. This poem's sentiment of loss and forgiveness is also present in Flight, where Alexie revisits these themes

Through his journey, Zits evolves from a violent and vengeful individual to a compassionate and empathetic one. This transformation is exemplified in Zits's own words: "I no longer want to hurt people. I want to understand them" (Flight 174). Zits's newfound empathy allows him to move beyond his narrow-minded pursuit of revenge and instead focus on understanding and reconciling with others. This is further demonstrated in the scene where Zits confronts Officer Dave and gives up his weapons: “I’m not trying to be funny,’ I say. ‘And I don’t want to get shot. I really do have two guns. I want you to take them from me. Please, take them away.” (Flight 163). This action signifies Zits's newfound understanding of justice and his willingness to break the cycle of violence. By prioritizing empathy and understanding over violence and retribution, Zits becomes a valuable member of society, better equipped to promote social harmony and create a more just and equitable world. By showcasing Zits's transformation, Alexie invites readers to consider their own capacity for growth and the role empathy and understanding can play in creating a better world. Ultimately, Zits's transformation is Alexie's way of portraying his own journey of self-discovery and personal growth, making Flight a powerful testament to the transformative power of empathy and