Monday, November 18, 2013

1. Interpret/explain/explore the context and significance of the last line of the book (230).

             "We didn't keep score". This is the last line of the novel showing that Arnold and Rowdy are friends once again. At the beginning of this scene when the game first begins they were competitive and talked about "crushing" the other in one on one. As the game continues Rowdy describes his new knowledge in the term nomadic. He shows Arnold that he respects him and is happy for him and the fact that he can simply pick up and move off the reservation. Although they were enemies and went through a very hard time they have been able to save their friendship and respect each others choices. They are about to embark on two different life styles but are no longer trying to change each other. It means a lot to Arnold that rowdy can forgive him for abadoning the Rez and even more being happy for him.  This is the first time Rowdy shared his happiness and respect for Arnold. During the book they are both trying to get ahead and put the other one done.  Finally they have matured enough to gain respect and simply play a game of basketball without keeping tabs on how they are doing.  They can enjoy their friendship as well as this game.  They now do not care and are just trying to play around like normal friends. This shows how strong their friendship was and how much they have learned over the year. This is a creative and interesting way to end a book and explain it in one solid line. Have you ever had a friendship that has gone through a hard time? Do you think Rowdy and Arnold will be friends as adults?

1 comment:

  1. I do not think that they will be friends when they are older, because they are so different and that will be very expressed later in their lives. I think Arnold will become successful in life and completely forget about Rowdy. Rowdy will stay on the Rez and follow the self-fulfilling prophecy of being Indian. When Arnold was having those flashbacks to when Rowdy and him climbed the tree one branch at a time and he kept saying no matter how thin the branches got, they would keep climbing and they would never break. Do you think this is an analogy for Arnold's life? Because he kept taking risks with leaving his friends and family to go to this better school to have a chance in life. He almost reached the top of the tree but could still see the beautiful view. Could this be like finally graduating or ending life even and seeing how wonderful the outcome is of taking risks is?

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