The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by

Sherman Alexie

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Diary of a Part-Time Indian makes teaching easy.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian: Chapter 13 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Junior receives an enthusiastic email from his sister in which Mary tells Junior about her new home in Montana. The Flathead reservation has more towns and restaurants than the Spokane reservation, making it seem more successful economically. Mary tells Junior that she ordered Indian fry bread like their grandmother’s in a hotel on her honeymoon, and describes her new life as “a dream come true.”
Mary’s letter suggests that reservation life isn’t inherently bad. The Flathead reservation seems to provide more opportunities than the Spokane reservation, making it a hopeful example of what Wellpinit could be like. Mary’s email is quoted directly rather than summarized by Junior, allowing her to construct and communicate—and thereby fulfill—her “dream come true” in her own words.
Themes
Racism, Poverty, and Alcoholism Theme Icon
Hope, Dreams, and Loss Theme Icon
Drawing, Writing, and Junior’s Cartoons Theme Icon