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Identity In The Novel 'There' By Tommy Orange

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The novel "There There" by Tommy Orange explores the multifaceted use of identity as a central theme, delving into the complexities and challenges faced by Native Americans living in urban environments. Tony’s act of putting on his regalia and embracing his Native American identity is an important moment in his personal development. "I pulled my regalia out and put it on... I saw an Indian. I saw a dancer" (26), the act donning his regalia reflects his desire to connect with his cultural roots and embrace his Native heritage, (although for the wrong reasons). Tony’s disconnection from his cultural identity (thanks to his absent father and white mother) is ultimately what influences him to get involved in a plan to rob the powwow with Octavio, explaining why he decided to don the regalia in the first place.. “You still got some Indian shit to put on?" "Whatchyoumean Indian shit?" "I don't know, what they put on, feathers and shit." "I got it." "You're gonna wear it." (25) …show more content…

That being the pressure to pursue higher education instead of going into internships or just workplaces. Edwin's mother instilled in him the belief “the most important thing we could do was to get educated... people won't listen to you otherwise" (59). In a society where Native American voices are often silenced and ignored, education becomes a tool for empowerment and a way to battle the systemic barriers that hinder their progress. After Edwin dedicates himself to his studies, he finds himself empty and spending all of his time online. That is until his mother makes him apply at the Indian Center, which with the powwow committee brings him closer to his true cultural

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