The majority of people would rather admire a photograph of the sunset than read a paragraph describing one; however, while visualizing and seeing are two different experiences, they can go hand-in-hand. In The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, the readers are able to see and visualize Junior’s journey of learning how to blend into two different worlds through the text paired with pictures. By incorporating images with exaggerative language and humor, Sherman Alexie is able to enhance Junior’s story and create a realistic narrative.
Throughout True Diary, the humor and casual language give the narrator an authentic tone. In many instances throughout the book, Junior speaks and recounts his current situations with vocalized pauses; the word, “like” is frequently used. A great example of this is
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In the beginning of True Diary, Junior tells the readers he “draw[s] because words are too limited” (5). This definitely pertains to when Junior is describing something or a specific incident. Furthermore, since there is only so much words can envision, including a drawing makes the current event more understandable and it creates a more expressive meaning. These pictures are most useful during Junior’s transition from the rez to Reardan. He describes Reardan as “the opposite of the rez” (55). Coupled with his observation is an image comparing the differences between him and the white students of Reardan. This picture points out the wealth and social disparity between white and Native American kids; such as, Junior having a garbage bag as a backpack, wearing cheap clothes and having to suffer a “bone-crushing reality” (57), while the students at Reardan have ergonomic backpacks, high-end clothing and are full of hope. Overall, the images that go along with the story are informative and presents another layer to