In “Superman and Me” Sherman Alexie uses an extended metaphor to compare himself to Superman. It talks about his struggle to get to where he wanted to be and how he tried to help others when he got there. It also talks about how he became Superman but in his own way. Sherman Alexie was a three year old, Indian boy who lived on an Indian reservation in eastern Washington State. He had a brother and three sisters. His father was in love with books. He bought books from wherever he could find them and there were books all in his house. Since his dad loved books, Sherman decided to as well. When he understood the purpose of a paragraph, he soon began to think everything was its own paragraph. He picked up a Superman comic book. He
Sherman is attempting to save children’s lives by teaching them the importance of education and not all students take advantage of that. In the story Superman and Me Sherman mentioned, “They wanted me to stay quiet when the non-indian teacher asked for answers, for volunteers, for help.” These students may feel different when a non-indian teacher asks for things because it might be out of their comfort zone. Also, Indian children are expected to fail to be accepted by other Indians in school.
The Captivating Tale of a Man Named Victor The short story titled, “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix” by Sherman Alexie presents a somber tone, describing the tragedy that encompasses Victor’s life. Shortly after losing his job, he discovers that his father, who he was hardly in contact with, has passed (Alexie 246). He embarks on a journey with his old friend, Thomas Builds-the-Fire, to his father’s home.
Alexie, Sherman, “Superman and Me: The Joy of Reading and Writing.” Los Angeles Times, 19 April 1998. Sherman Alexie shared how his childhood of reading helped him become a better reader and a leader for others. He first read a Superman comic and then went on to bigger and better books. Alexie explains that in his Native American reservation it’s okay for children not to excel in school.
In the story “Superman and me” by Sherman Alexie, Sherman showed his readers that people should not let obstacles get in the way of learning or their future. Sherman explains how his classmates did let obstacles get in the way “As Indian children, we were expected to fail in the non-Indian world. Those who failed were ceremonially accepted by other Indians and appropriately pitied by non-Indians.” When being ceremonially accepted teens feel accepted of course so much that when they are in that situation of “ Is this equally identical to the rest of the kids?” they feel the need to let whatever obstacles come into life stop them, from learning and furthering their future education.
In the Article Superman and Me, Sherman Alexie 's father had a love for books which caused Sherman 's life to change. Similarly, my dad caused my life to be changed with hunting. First of all, Sherman’s house was filled with lots of books. Likewise, my house has lots of taxidermy, guns and hunting gear. Growing up with books around him made him love them like his father did.
Despite the negative stereotype of American Indians, the objections and disapproval of fellow Natives, and the criticism of others, Sherman Alexie went on to become a successful writer that has inspired many. Alexie overcame many obstacles that would have deterred him from his goal, but he was able to remain steadfast and continue on in his pursuit of writing. As a result, he has published many literary works that include several short stories, poems, and a variety of novels. He allows his culture to seep into his writing, and continues to inspire young American Indians who also desire the path of knowledge.
Sherman uses a tone shift between paragraphs five and six the tone of the first part of the passage is gloomy and melancholy by talking about his poor family situation and him being expected to fail. But the tone shifts to inspirational and motivational by using the anaphora to show all the things he did to overcome the stereotype and become an educated successful Indian. Sherman uses an analogy when he first mentions superman breaking down the door to save someone” but he reads it as “I am breaking down the door” superman breaking down the door also refers to Sherman as a teacher when he states "I throw my weight against their locked doors” he is talking about him helping his students by saving their life through education. Sherman not only uses superman as an analogy but also as a symbol Sherman also uses hyperbole when he states “Our house was filled with books. They were stacked in crazy piles in the bathroom, bedrooms and living rooms.”
Sherman Alexie compares and contrasts the societal Native American expectations centered around their stereotypes, which helps Arnold uses this as a drive to ignore them and become more aware of his true self. Native American’s expectations are centered around stereotypes by people treating them as if they are not capable of succeeding in any way. When someone is constantly telling you something about you, eventually you begin to believe in it and make it true. That means that if someone is constantly telling you that there is something
Alexie used repetitive words to emphasize how Sherman Alexie and Superman have several characteristics. Superman can be seen in the second illustration standing triumphantly on a statue while braveness was shown on his face. Alexie believes that intelligence can save and change people's lives. He reads because he wants to save his life. He reads because he wants to save everybodys
Alexie uses repetition, metaphors and imagery to convey these feelings and support the main idea. Alexie teaches himself to read by interpreting a Superman comic book. Although he cannot remember which exact comic book it was, the plot of the book, or the means by which he obtained the book, he does remember a specific panel that resonated to him (Alexie 582-583). Alexie writes about a panel where Superman is breaking a door down. “Because he is breaking down a door, I assume he says, “I am breaking down a door” (Alexie 584).
Being a writer of many different styles, Sherman Alexie started off as a poet before writing novels and short stories. His poetic manner continues in the story “Indian Education”. He has a wide array of dry statements mixed with metaphors and statements that are not meant to be taken literally. The trend for each years is that he starts off dry and literal and ends poetic and metaphorical. His description of his interactions with the “white girl” in seventh grade is a great example.
In the text, “Superman and Me,”One main quote that explains everything you need to know about this article is when Sherman Alexie says, “I wasrefused to fail. I was smart. I was lucky.” Many people that have read this choose to believe that this quote is just an irritating repetition of how he felt about himself, however, closer examination shows that it actually develops his main claim and central idea, refines his claims, and shows the purpose of this text all in one quote. Alexie was a young, Indian boy who just wanted to know how to read in write in the aspiration of becoming emotionally closer to his father because he loved him so.
Sherman Alexie grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He is a child of the Indian-American, and the world saw him nothing more than Indian-American. Still, Alexie has become the well-respected author, the proud owner of the literature awards for novels, short stories, poetry, and filmmaking. In the essay, the author uncovers a reason for such immense success. Unlike most Indian-Americans, Alexie is literate; moreover, at the young age, he could read better than other kids.