This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix Arizona Analysis

In Sherman Alexie’s story “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona”, he explores the challenging life of two Native American Indian men named Victor and Thomas on the reservation. The story communicates the childhood memories, relationships, and cultural aspects of Thomas and Victor’s life in Spokane (an Indian Reservation). In this story, Victor appeared to be mentally depressed because his father had died just after he lost his job. Although Victor’s father left Victor at a very young age, Victor’s genetic pain made him think to travel to Phoenix. However, his poor financial situation left him with no other option than travelling with Thomas, an annoying storyteller and his childhood friend. The act of forgiveness, decency, and adaptive attitude helps Victor to survive in his painful and deserted life.
The lack of family support and emptiness in Victor’s life made him to communicate and recover a friendly relationship with Thomas to overcome his hardships. As
Victor’s relationship with Thomas was broken since they had a fistfight at the age of fifteen. Victor was drunk and he had beaten Thomas so badly for no reason that he could have died if a respectful old woman named Norma haven’t interrupted them. Even though, he had an ugly relationship. Thomas provided financial and sympathetic support to Victor in need. This has made Victor feel emotionally painful because he regret the loss of relationships and struggles with his own identity. As per the deal, Victor travels with Thomas and reach the place where his father had died. On reaching that place, Victor said, “I never told you I was sorry for beating you up that time” (185). He apologizes Thomas for his past deeds and attempts to transcend his pain of guilt and loss. Thus, victor’s attitude and a change in behavior helps him to release the guilt and