A New Image Of Native Americans In The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian

This thesis analyzes a new image of American Indians in Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,represented by Arnold,whose newness lies in his physically and mentally breaking away from the reservation,usually considered home by traditional American Indians,to pursue development out of reservation.Based on theories of Zygmunt Bauman,Stuart Hall and other scholars,this thesis attempts to analyze the importance of establishing self-identity in modern society.Self-identity is not a concept unchanged and unilateral,but a notion complicated and mutative.Native Americans,as a marginalized group,need to adjust to the society with multiple modernities initiatively and bravely.Homecoming is an important theme in Indian culture,and reservation is considered as home for Native Americans.Momaday’s and Silko’s works are mostly about rebirth after homecoming and those natives who leave reservation are named "traitors." However,due to the abominable environment,miserable poverty,and informal education,Native Americans are forced to look for a better environment and chance of education.What is more,the circular patterns of traditional life and the mentality of reservation of the mind limit Native Americans’ personal as well as communal development.Only if people get rid of the restriction of reservation,may Native Americans have a better future.To adapt to modern life,Native Americans should recvaluate modernity,living their life with the spirit of inclusiveness.In conclusion,the present thesis argues that Alexie’s novel represents the author’s effort to find a new road for American Indians,and that the new Native American image in the figure of Arnold gives hope and directions for the future development of Natives Americans.