“This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona” “This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona,” was written by Sherman Alexie in 1994. The story begins on an Indian reservation in Spokane, Washington. Victor has not only lost his job but he has been notified, his father whom he had not seen in many years has died of a heart attack and wasn’t found for several days. He was advised there was a small bank account, an old truck and whatever else he wanted of his father’s belongings waiting for him. However, in order to retrieve the belongings, he had to find the money and means to get to Phoenix, Arizona. Victor has no money, nor does his mother. Victor seeks help from the tribal council, and sadly they can only offer him one hundred dollars. Thomas Buildsthe-Fire sees Victor and offers his condolences. These two young men were childhood friends but over time have gone their separate ways. Thomas is a story teller and viewed as a freak within the reservation. Thomas offers to give Victor the money he needs with the condition they travel together. On the plane, they are seated next to a young lady named Cathy. Cathy was a former Olympic gymnast that was unable to compete due to the boycott. Thomas strikes up a conversation and makes a new friend. After collecting Victor’s father ashes and belongings, the two young …show more content…
The historical setting in “This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona” is a broad period of time, which takes place in the 1900’s. The geographic settings reflect the characters and depict the journey of the story; it begins on a depressed Indian reservation in Spokane, through the isolated desert of Arizona and everything between. The physical settings include the airplane, Victor’s father’s trailer, and the car ride home. These physical settings help to develop the tone or mood of the story; they enable the reader to understand the characters and their responses to a particular