Junior is hesitant to tell Rowdy about his
transition to Reardan because he is frightened of his response and the consequences
that might follow. If Rowdy refuses to come along with him, their
friendship that they have had for 14 years, will be strained. Junior tells him this
devastating news because he wants to be completely honest with him. In addition, I think
that Junior has hope that Rowdy will step away from his short temper and aggression and join him, however that is not the
case. After Rowdy has time to think about this, he is in denial about Junior’s departure,
as the text says, "You'll never do it...you're too scared" (Alexie
50). Rowdy has grown extremely close to Junior and considers him a brother, but
having lived through an abusive childhood, he has not learned how to express
feelings in words, only in actions. The book says, “Bang! Rowdy punched me” (Alexie
52). Feeling frustrated, confused, and betrayed, Rowdy has to let it out
physically. Also, he is shocked because he probably thought since they were
such close friends nothing could ever separate them. In the book it states,
"Rowdy started crying too, and he hated that. He wiped his hand, and
started at his wet hand, and screamed" (Alexie 52). Junior
leaving the reservation will definitely take a toll
on Rowdy’s life, but hopefully he can step away from being the tough guy, and come with him.
I agree, Junior and Rowdy have been very close for fourteen years. When Rowdy receives the news that Junior is switching schools he doesn't know what to do. He's lost everything and everyone good in his life. Rowdy does the only thing he knew how to do; he takes out his rage through violence directed at Junior. Junior realizes he has now abandoned his only friend, his best friend as the text states "My heart broke into fourteen pieces, one for each year that Rowdy and I had been best friends. ... my best friend had become my worst enemy." (Alexie, 52-53). Junior tries to make Rowdy understand why he's leaving, but all Rowdy can see is pain and misery that will come from Junior leaving him.
ReplyDelete