...In the movie "Smoke Signals" and the story "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" there are a lot of different personal relationships with the character of Victor. In this paper I will discuss how his relationship changes with his father, Thomas and people that he meets along the way to acquire his fathers remains. In the story Victor does not have much of a relationship with his father. After his father leaves him and his mother he did not visit his father and only talked to him once or twice on the phone (254). In the movie it is basically the same thing after he leaves but prior to this we see his father being abusive by physically hitting Victor for spilling his beer. To me it is like a love/hate relationship where sometimes Victor is getting along with his dad and likes his company, but other times he hates him because of his drinking and abusive behavior towards him and his mother. In the story, during Victor’s trip to see his father, Thomas tells him stories about his father. Particularly the story of Thomas going to Spokane and Victor’s father finds him there and tells Thomas that he has to look after Victor as a deal for helping him (260). This story changes the way Victor thinks about his father and makes him have a more favorable view. In the movie a friend of Victor’s father recalls stories and things that his father used to say about Victor. Some of which wasn’t true like Victor winning a basketball game. The friend also told Victor that his father loved...
Words: 576 - Pages: 3
...Sherman Alexie’s, “This is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona”, is about a young man going on a journey to retrieve his dead father’s ashes. Throughout the entire story there is sadness, loneliness, and sorrow. The story begins with the main character, Victor, losing his job and soon afterward finding out his father just died of a heart attack. Victor is unable to travel to Phoenix, Arizona to retrieve his father’s ashes due to the inability to fund the trip. Thomas, a childhood friend, lends Victor money for the trip but only if Victor will let him go on the journey. Victor isn’t really excited for the trip that they will be taking but the only thing getting him through it is the money he will inherit from his dad. The personal hurricanes that Victor goes through are brought up from the beginning of the story. “Victor hadn’t seen his father in a few years, only talked to him on the telephone once or twice; but there was a genetic pain, which was soon to be pain as real and immediate as a broken bone (page #).” The pain Victor has is on a more personal level but is also a pain that is personal because of a broken relationship and the loss of an important person in his life....
Words: 525 - Pages: 3
...In the story “ This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona “ by Sherman Alexie Thomas he who tells stories and also magically appears out of nowhere, Just in time to help victor in his time of revivement. Indicating Thomas’s actions as a person who does not hold grudges, As the tribal storyteller Thomas is on a mission on keeping his promise to Victor’s deceased father friendship regains. In the beginning nothing was going right for Victor tell he saw Thomas at the tribal council. The author quoted “ while victor stood in line ,he watched Thomas builds-the-fire standing near the magazine rack, talking to himself”. Thomas pops up out of nowhere just there standing. Maybe waiting on Victor or maybe not. But at the age of seven Thomas out of nowhere tells Victor “ your father's heart is weak, he is afraid of his family”. The choice he...
Words: 514 - Pages: 3
...In the short story “This Is what It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” by Sherman Alexie, the reader sees protagonist Victor Joseph and an acquaintance, Thomas Builds-the-Fire take a journey to collect the body of his father. Throughout the story, the reader is able to see that Victor and Thomas were very different people yet had some similarities and while the story progressed, the reader sees Victor Joseph change into a different person. While this story is a work of fiction, we see hints of personal experiences from Sherman Alexie’s life. Victor and Thomas were both very different people. Victor is someone who is seen as selfish, self-conscious, and impatient. When Victor goes to cash the check he had received from the council, he sees Thomas. The narrator describes the scene as, “Nobody talked to Thomas...
Words: 1355 - Pages: 6
...Character Analysis Essay In the story, “This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona”, Alexie depicts the struggle of a young man named Victor while he retrieves his father’s ashes with an old friend. Victor lives on a Native American reservation, whose father had just passed away. While he struggles to get money for the trip to pick up his father’s ashes, a past friend offers to pay for the journey on the condition that he comes as well. Throughout the rest of the story, Victor must deal with this old friend’s quirks as well as his rising feelings. Victor’s insecurities can be seen through Victor’s perpetual embarrassment in Thomas’ actions, yet he feels a longing for tradition and starts to instill this inside himself towards the end of...
Words: 390 - Pages: 2
...how the story “This is What It Means to say Phoenix, Arizona” relates to the topic of families, parents and children. Central Idea: Broken relationship between the father and son in this story. THESIS: Phoenix, Arizona is not only a place but it is also the name of a bird in Egyptian mythology that rises from its very own ashes and becomes reborn into a brand new life, making this story a regeneration. Through symbolism, imagery and the language the author uses in “What it means to say Phoenix, Arizona” displays how the death of a loved one, another relationship that was lost in rekindled. TYPE: In the beginning of the story, Victor had suddenly just lost his job, his father whom he wasn’t close with died of a heart attack but little does Victor know, he will soon be the one in a great deal with pain but with Victor is quickly uplifted by a former friend who brings hope and relief (to his life) while taking on this journey to Phoenix, Arizona. Examples of symbolism: Thomas Builds-the-Fire: his name actually has a lot of meaning behind it. Thomas Builds-the-Fire has a lot of dreams and visions when it comes to unrealistic things and he has a lot of passion which Victor does not have. “Phoenix” is an old myth that indicates a bird rises from its own ashes and becomes reborn. (The title) The jackrabbit. Thomas and Victor both come to an agreement as to the why the jackrabbit jumped out in-front of the car, to commit suicide. Now, no one in this story committed...
Words: 494 - Pages: 2
...The character Thomas Build-the-Fire from sherman Alexie,’’This is what it means to say Phoenix Arizona’’,tells the story of his adventures on helping his old friend victor to go to Arizona to retrieve victor's father ashes since he just passed away recently.Thomas Build-the-fire is a young Native American boy with ratty old braids and broken teeth who want to help his old friend,because he made a promise victor's father that he would always watch over victor after he is gone.Throughout the rest of the story we see little to no change in the character of Thomas. Thomas is the type of person who will forgive all of the bad blood between old friends and help if they're in need of assistance.For instance,when Thomas saw Victor in the trading post...
Words: 480 - Pages: 2
...Value/Belief Pattern • Predominant ethnic and cultural groups along with beliefs related to health. • Predominant spiritual beliefs in the community that may influence health. • Availability of spiritual resources within or near the community (churches/chapels, synagogues, chaplains, Bible studies, sacraments, self-help groups, support groups, etc.). • Do the community members value health promotion measures? What is the evidence that they do or do not (e.g., involvement in education, fundraising events, etc.)? • What does the community value? How is this evident? • On what do the community members spend their money? Are funds adequate? Health Perception/Management • Predominant health problems: Compare at least one health problem to a credible statistic (CDC, county, or state). • Immunization rates (age appropriate). • Appropriate death rates and causes, if applicable. • Prevention programs (dental, fire, fitness, safety, etc.): Does the community think these are sufficient? • Available health professionals, health resources within the community, and usage. • Common referrals to outside agencies. Nutrition/Metabolic • Indicators of nutrient deficiencies. • Obesity rates or percentages: Compare to CDC statistics. • Affordability of food/available discounts or food programs and usage (e.g., WIC, food boxes, soup kitchens, meals-on-wheels, food stamps, senior discounts, employee discounts, etc.)...
Words: 2023 - Pages: 9
...Drawing on Memory, an exhibition by Eden McNutt was on display at Arizona State University’s West Campus’ University Center Building gallery just recently. McNutt’s art revolves around his childhood memories while growing up Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. While growing up, Eden had faced racism and bigotry vicariously through his friends. He and his friends faced racial divides in order to keep their friendship. The art that was displayed at the ground-floor gallery was a reflection of his past and of current situations. Aside from his own work being presented, footage of present day Pittsburg was also being displayed on a loop. Along different panels, there were about three or four different pieces of his work hanging. Some smaller and some larger...
Words: 957 - Pages: 4
... 2 The Miranda v. Arizona was the biggest case ever in the United States. The Supreme Court argued four different cases because of the Miranda vs. Arizona case. These four different cases were heard and it was stated that 3 of the 4 cases had written statements that were admissible in court. In this paper we will describe the facts of the four cases, we will notate when they were argued, we will describe what lawyers argued what side, we will discuss the arguments of counsel about self-incrimination and we will write about why are the cases significant to a right to counsel and self-incrimination. Miranda vs. Arizona, in this case defendant Ernesto Miranda was 23 years old when he was arrested and charged with several crimes including rape and kidnapping. Ernesto Miranda was an immigrant that was living here in the United States of America. During his arrest Ernesto Miranda was notified of his constitutional rights, but in reality he wasn’t supposed to because he was not a citizen so he had no rights. Ernesto Miranda was taken in and then was questioned about the crimes that were committed, after a couple hours of interrogation Ernesto Miranda gave the police a written statement that he signed. In the statement that was signed by Ernesto Miranda it stated that he was aware of his constitutional rights. It was great that his case was overturned by the Supreme Court but after it was overturned Arizona gave him a retrial and he was found guilty and sentenced...
Words: 869 - Pages: 4
...Child, Family, Community and Culture-ECH-325 July 3. 2013 Critiquing Child Advocacy Plans While talking to the local school district administrator of the elementary school and the director of the pre-k in the Arizona school system, I was informed that anyone that has reason to believe that a child is being harmed in any way, such as physically, mentally or affected by neglect or abuse must report these cases to the local law enforcement agency and to the Department of Protective Services. It is the responsibility of ever member of the school staff to report any suspected abuse to their superiors at the school district office. It doesn’t matter how small the problem may be to the staff member it is part of their responsibility to provide their students with a safe environment and protection. If the staff doesn’t report any suspected abuse they can be sent to jail or fined. If a student comes to any staff member and reports sexual abuse that has taken place, it is not considered hearsay, and it is considered admissible in court. This will only hold up in court if I am the first adult the child has told this story to. If a report is made in good faith, any member of the staff will have legal protection and their identity will be kept confidential. This means that I have taken actions without intending to hurt anyone. The district administrator and director has informed me that they have had experienced where they had to call CPS. They informed me that it is a terrible sight...
Words: 931 - Pages: 4
...Our direct line of product and profit will be obtaining and maintaining a social nightlife crowd that attracts business casual and a young mature demographic. Located in downtown Phoenix, we will have a menu that serves quality drinks at a higher price or local brand beers to ring in the younger clients. Being in a prime placement next to the light rails, our atmosphere will be seen by thousands of students, business workers, and tourist aboard. With the right amount of time and proper promotion, The Jungle will become the new trend to Phoenix! Product & Service The nightclub/lounge product may seem moderately simple but there will be much factors that tie into what it is we plan to promote, sell, and cultivate. Being that our target customer will be between the age groups of 24-35 it is important to pertain to lifestyle products that may attract this age group. According to "Nightclub Owner " (2011), co-owner of a management service company Ray Ford says, “The average life of a nightclub or bar is two years.” Knowing the market and understanding your window of opportunity; this investment has to be all or nothing. Developing our product and business will be a process with the various permits to obtain. According to DLLC (2014), Liquor License in Phoenix can take anywhere from 65-105 days. This means that development of our product will be on hold until certain prerequisites are taken care of before opening day. The Jungle will definitely need a...
Words: 2134 - Pages: 9
...Comparing “Smoke Signals” to “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” In the more recent times our understanding of literature has changed. It has engulfed our lives more than it did in the past. In the twenty first century the acquiring of information has become easy by the advent of new technology. Technology such as the Internet and the use of it on the smart phones has made it easier to access information. Due to this advantage it has become seamless to include important forms of literature in many aspects of life. For example, things from the billboards on the side of the highway to the coffee container in the house use very unique styles and forms of literature. Alongside this the world of entertainment is not as it was a centaury...
Words: 997 - Pages: 4
...I sipped on my sweet hot chocolate and chatted away. I could hear the playful laughs and screams from the kids who chased each other. It feels like only yesterday I ran across their yard which consisted of a couple medium sized trees, rocks, and a batch of green grass, with flowers of all colors scattered around the yard; my mind wanders to the time when I was younger and many people asked me, “What do you love about Arizona?” (mainly it was the teachers that were teaching and living for their first year in Arizona)....
Words: 1216 - Pages: 5
...These symbols mean a lot to me, I say this because there are a lot of things that I do in life as a young woman. These symbols represent how I get through things no matter what. I try my hardest to get through things that bother me or that are hard on me. Some things will bother me but I just have to think about Hope, Love, Faith, and the symbol of my horoscope. These symbols of my life they have to do with me and my family. It is easy on me because I know what they go through just by talking to me. The first symbol is the cross in the middle represents me in church. It represents me in church because I’m really big when it comes to church. I like to sing on the Worship team, do offering, or I’m greeting people. My leaders are great when it comes to church I’m blessed to be a part of Victory Outreach Phoenix. Now that I’m a part of VOPHX and also a leader it makes me feel great because I’ve been changed by god. Sometimes I do the kids check in or I’m teaching a class. Fridays we have bible study at my brother and sister in laws house, and I teach the younger kids there. The kids that I teach there they love to hear about god. I’m glad that I make my parents proud...
Words: 842 - Pages: 4
