What Is Lyman's Relationship In The Red Convertible

Published in 1984, “ The Red Convertible” depicts the relationship of two Native American brothers. Lyman and Henry’s relationship one day seemed perpetual. Unfortunately, this long lasting relationship would come to an end. The two brothers were once adventurous and very much nonchalant teenage boys enjoying the never ending summer. The unconditional trust the two brothers have with each other is greatly portrayed through the joint ownership of the Red Convertible. Unfortunately, the return of older brother Henry from the war has permanently changed him. Lyman is unable to cope with his indifferent brother, thus Lyman’s actions demonstrate how he greatly misses the bond and relationship the two used to have. Ultimately, Lyman was to unable

The carefree nights led them to establish memorable and unique memories in which allowed them to grow a better relationship. As the following quote indicates, “ We went places in that car, me and Henry. We look off the driving all one whole summer. We started off toward the Little Knife River and Mandaree in Fort Berthold and then we found ourselves own in Wakpala somehow, and then suddenly we were over in Montana on the Rocky Boy, and yet the summer was not even halfway over” (Erdrich 235). Nevertheless, the memories Lyman and Henry have established led to building a relationship which resulted in great trust. Provided that they had joint ownership of the Convertible, the trust older brother Henry has for Lyman is greatly portrayed when Henry entrusted Lyman with the Red Convertible. The quote reveals how the two brothers adventurers and quality time spent together, initiated a trustworthy partnership. However, this boundless relationship would soon come to an

In the years he was absent Lyman made sure he kept the car impeccable. Although Henry was long gone, the relationship they built has kept Lyman in hopes that the day of Henry’s return, memories driving around the red convertible and endless summers will come back as well. As Lyman states, “ In those years I’d put his car into almost perfect shape. I always thought of it as his car while he was gone…”(326). Through Lyman’s own words, it is viable that he has immense respect and love for his brother. Sadly, the war has changed the man Lyman used to bond and share unforgettable memories with. The change was immediately noticeable, Henry was solemn and troubled. As Lyman states, “ When he came home, though, Henry was very different, and I’ll say this: the change was no good” (326). Regardless, brother Lyman still recalls the memories the two share. In spite of the fact that Henry has pulled himself away from the relationship, Lyman does the impossible to retrieve the attention of his long lost partner. Lyman recognizes the connection they used to have is not the same, thus he tries to cope with this new idea. This is seen through Lyman’s actions as the following quote states,“ I thought the car might bring the old Henry back somehow. So I bided my time and waited for my chance to interest him in the vehicle… I took myself a hammer… Then I sat back and waited for Henry to find it” (327). Younger brother Lyman realizes how the