Arnold Spirit, also known as Junior, is the protagonist of the novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. Junior is a young Native American boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington state. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, Junior displays incredible resilience and determination throughout the novel.
One of the most significant challenges that Junior faces is poverty. The reservation where he lives is plagued by poverty, and many of the residents, including Junior's own family, struggle to make ends meet. Despite this, Junior is determined to make something of himself and to break the cycle of poverty that has plagued his community for generations.
Another challenge that Junior faces is discrimination. As a Native American, he is subjected to racism and prejudice from both the white community and even from some members of his own tribe. Despite this, Junior remains determined to succeed and to prove that he is just as capable as anyone else.
In addition to these external challenges, Junior also struggles with personal issues. He suffers from a rare medical condition called hydrocephalus, which causes fluid to build up in his brain and causes him to have seizures. Despite this, Junior never lets his condition hold him back, and he works hard to overcome it.
Despite all of these challenges, Junior refuses to give up. He makes the difficult decision to leave the reservation and attend a predominantly white high school in the nearby town of Reardan. This decision is met with resistance from his community, but Junior is determined to make a better life for himself.
Through his hard work and determination, Junior eventually excels at school and becomes a star basketball player. He also begins to build relationships with people outside of his community and learns to embrace his identity as a Native American.
In conclusion, Arnold Spirit is a remarkable and inspiring character. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, he displays incredible resilience and determination. His story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and determination in overcoming adversity.
