The Red Convertible Essay Example for Free

The Red Convertible Essay In The Red Convertible, Louise Erdrich combines a coming of age story of two Native American brothers with an allegory of the struggle of Native Americans to adapt to and live in the world controlled by White Americans. The title The Red Convertible is a play on words describing the attempts of Native Americans or Redskins as they are called in bad movies from the 1950s to convert to the lifestyle of the white people. In the first part of the story Lyman recounts his ability to make money easily in the white world. He is the only Native American boy allowed to shine shoes in the local American Legion, he sells spiritual bouquets for the nuns from the mission, and he takes a job at the Joliet Cafà © at the age of fifteen and becomes its owner. He seems destined to be a success in the white world. When Lyman and his older brother Henry combine their money on a trip to Winnipeg, they are able to buy a red Oldsmobile convertible. Using this car for transportation, the Lamartine brothers set out on a trip along the United States-Canadian border and on to Alaska. He remembers nothing that he has seen of the white world. Instead Lyman remembers the time spent in a place with willows (Erdrich page number no comma). Here he feels comfortable and at peace. Lyman also remembers with pleasure the time spent in Alaska where he felt like an animal in nature (Erdrich page number no comma). When Lyman and Henry return to the reservation, Henry is drafted into the Marines and sent to Vietnam. Soon after arrival he is captured and remains a prisoner of war for three years. When he returns home, Henry has changed for the worse. An important part of him has been lost in the war. In the spring after his return, he and Lyman drive the red convertible to the Red River to see the high water. While watching the water, Henry reaches a decision about his life, â€Å"I know it. I can’t help it. It’s no use (Erdrich page number no comma). Briefly, Lyman finds himself hoping that the old Henry as finally returned, but his hopes are frustrated when Henry suddenly stands, dives in the river and allows himself to drown. Lyman realizes Henry has killed himself because he no longer is able to exist in either the white world or with his people. After Henry disappears beneath the water, Lyman allows the car to roll into the river. This action symbolizes his rejection of the white way that destroyed his older brother. He destroys his car and now walks every where he goes. He is no longer content to be a Red Convertible. Works Cited Erdrich, Louise. The Red Convertible. Name of book story is located in italics. Ed. Editors name or names for more than one editor. Place of Publication such as Toronto: Publisher, year of publication, pages of story.