The first game of the basketball season, of course was against Wellpinit. This game definitely gave Arnold pressure. When he walked into the gym at Wellpinit, everyone turned their backs. This symbolizes that no one from the Rez has and never will forgive Arnold for what he did. Oddly enough, though this made Arnold and his team laugh. The crowd really hates Arnold. Even though the crowd hates Arnold, his team and coach really boosted his confidence. The coach even says "You don't have to play this one." His coach and teammates know that this is going to be a hard game for Arnold and it was.
Arnold was impacted by his coach and team. If you walk into a game and everyone hates you, you feel like you are nothing. But, with the coach and team Arnold feels like somebody. Arnold needed a boost and he got it. This is also an important part in the book because it shows that he was able to make friends who really care for and about him. This part also shows how Rowdy and Junior's relationship is going. Though the main reason why this chapter is in the book is to show that Arnold made it somewhere. He was the only brave person in the Rez, and the only one with hope. Sherman Alexie really emphasized how much Wellpinit hated Arnold for a reason. Arnold has made friends and have people to rely on.
Question: After this basketball game, how much do you think that Arnold's confidence was boosted?
I think that Rowdy's violence and anger in the game originally effected Arnold in a negative way, but now it doesnt seem to bother him as much. Arnold has been able to coop with this torment because of the support of his family and friends. And even after they lost the basketball game, the coach went to visit Arnold in the hospital and this shows that he has created new friendships and alliances even if his old ones are severed.
ReplyDeleteI think he feels more disconnected from the rez, but his confidence has been boosted about his choice to go to Reardan. His teammates and coach were so supportive, and they really motivated Arnold to keep going through a very tough experience. Although he will never really be able to return to life on the rez, Arnold has managed to find his place at Reardan. The kids, and finally a teacher (Coach) have accepted him. Do you think Arnold would be able to function as well at Reardan without his experience on the rez? Which events in his early life (before Reardan) shaped Arnold the most?
ReplyDeleteI think that Arnold's confidence was maybe boosted slightly overall, but also greatly damaged. First, he it gets hurt when he walks into the gym, and gets insulted by that synchronized display of hatred. Then, when he finally gets called onto the court, he gets hurt physically and mentally when someone in the audience throws a quarter at his forehead. And, finally, to top it all off, his ex-friend, Rowdy, knocks him unconscious. Fortunately, his coach stops by at the hospital to boost his confidence back up to what it was before, if not higher.
ReplyDeleteI think that Arnold's confidence was not boosted by the game. He was injured and realized that everyone has a deep hatred for him. However, Arnolds confidence was boosted from his talk with coach. Even after having a quarter thrown at him and his ex-best friend giving him a minor concussion, the coach comes in and boosts Arnold's self esteem. From the overall experience I think Arnold's confidence went up.
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