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Grandmother Spirit Character Analysis

764 Words4 Pages

Susan@ May Thiri Kyaw

Grandmother Spirit
In most cases, grandmothers hold a special place in people’s hearts that is irreplaceable. After all, “A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” Grandmothers are like fairy godmothers, without all the magic and the chanting. Or to put it more realistically, they are like our second mothers. When help is needed, they are always ready to lend a hand, give advice and share their wisdom. They are knowledgeable and experienced, having lived through different time periods. Grandmother Spirit from the novel, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian,” applies to most, if not all, of these traits. She is one of the most inspirational and loved characters …show more content…

Even when a drunk driver ran over her, her last words are, “Forgive him.” Had it not been for those exact words, Gerald, the drunk driver might have been beaten up by her family. She’s extremely accepting of all those around her despite their differences. In the past, “Indians used to forgiving of any kind of eccentricity,” forgiving to a point where “weird people were often celebrated.” But all that changed when “white people showed up and brought along their Christianity and their fears of eccentricity.” (pg. 155) Their tolerance slowly diminished and now, they “can be just as judgmental and hateful as any white person.” (Alexie, 2007, p.155) But grandmother is among a few of those who still hold on to their “old-time Indian spirit.” (Alexie, 2007, …show more content…

Though she is only a minor character, she possesses quality traits that leave a lasting impression on the readers. She is tolerant, wise and humorous. The saying, [insert quote about grandmas or about tolerance] truly reflects Grandmother Spirit’s calm and wise nature. Being a person with such great qualities, her death can be viewed as undeserved. Like Junior said, “Grandparents are supposed to die first, but they 're supposed to die of old age ….of a heart attack or a stroke or of cancer or of Alzheimer’s. THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO GET RUN OVER AND KILLED BY A DRUNK DRIVER!” (Alexie, 2007, p.158) But people like her are most likely to celebrate the life that has been given to them rather than mourn for the years that have been robbed away from them, which is why the laughter at Grandmother’s funeral was the most suitable send-off for her. Grandmother Spirit is truly as grand as her

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