This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona - Sherman Alexie's Short Story

Tonya Parnell

English 101-701

John Ellen

3/12/12

In Sherman Alexie's short story "This is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" the author presents two characters Victor and Thomas builds the fire, are similar yet different in their families, personalities/relationships, and the trip to Phoenix with each other.

One thing Victor and Thomas have in common is both have or had a family. Victor the main character; has lost his job, has no money and learns that his father has died. He appears to be isolated from his extended family, "... his family didn't have any use at all for him" (909). His mother is "...just as poor as he was..." (909) Victor is a man who has no one to rely on. There are people there to help however; he calls the tribal council and requests aid to retrieve his father's effects. The council assist's Victor from a sense of community. The council is having a '...difficult time financially" (910) and doesn't have much, but they give him one hundred dollars and remark to him "we're sure there is someone..." (910) someone for him to rely on for further assistance. Thomas's family died in a fire on the fourth of July at their home, when he was also a teenager. Victor and Thomas were inseparable as children, yet they both loved their parents. Victor's father helped Thomas's when he was a teenager, and in return Thomas promised to watch out Victor.

Another way Victor and Thomas are alike yet different in their personalities and relationships. Thomas had the personality to forgive and to have the helping hand when someone is in need. For example, when Victor apologized to Thomas, Thomas forgave him because "[they] was just kids and [he was] drunk" (914). Victor believed that "he owed Thomas something, anything" (918). Thomas was the outcast of the reservation because he was a storyteller that nobody wanted to listen to. Victor was embarrassed of Thomas, but he thought Thomas might be able to help him. Victor felt a sudden need for tradition"(911).Victor knew deep inside of him that they were friends, but their community would not approve because the community rejects Thomas. Thomas is a good person and Victor is very shallow. Victor is more concerned with what people will say or think than being a good person. Victor seems to be irresponsible; he has no job, no money, often drunk and seems detached and not affectionate at all. Thomas is optimistic, outgoing, traditional and spiritual. Thomas often tells stories of life's lessons and morality. Victor listens to Thomas stories; however he views them as idle chit chat.

Another way Victor and Thomas are alike yet different is the trip to phoenix. Victor's primary motivation was to get to