Literary works are influenced by the time and environment in which they are set

Literary works are influenced by the time and environment in which they are set. They exist in a social, political, and historical environment and reflect the value of the culture and history of people. The themes in “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” authored by Alexie Sherman have a direct relationship with Alexie’s experience. Much of Alexie’s life in America can be seen in the story. He was born in 1966 and raised in Washington’s Wellpinit within and Indian reservation called Spokane. Both of his parents were Indians. His early life was characterized by health problems. He was born with hydrocephalus (Grassian). The chances of him surviving were low. Alexie’s father had even invited a Catholic priest to perform final rites on him. Alexie overcame the problem and survived. However, doctors predicted that he would suffer from retardation. This did not come to be. However, he suffered seizures and bed-wetting as a result of this medical condition. Alexie lived with five other children on the reservation. His state made him an easy target for bullies. Alexie was born and raised in poverty. Both of his parents were alcoholics, and this eroded the family’s fortunes. He was determined to move out of the reservation. He enrolled in a high school in Reardon. The town was dominated by whites who were unfriendly to Indians. Here, he had to fit in this new society. After moving to school, Alexie performed well in his academics. However, after leaving the reservation, he too became an alcoholic. He eventually dropped out of this class. He then transferred to Washington State University. Having looked at the author’s early life, it is expected that events that played out in his life would reflect in his works as themes. These themes include the growth of Indians in America, poverty, tragedy, alcoholism, bullying, and friendship (Grassian). As expected, these themes show up in “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona.” Alexie’s early works built around the life of Indians under reservation. This story, however, moves out of the reservation and discusses Indians’ ties with the rest of America. What does it mean to be a modern Native American? How does their historical culture influence today’s society? Sherman Alexie does an outstanding job of influencing his characters with culture and traditions. He also outlines the societal problems experienced on the Spokane Indian Reservation and the struggle between the individual Native American modern lifestyle and the Native American historical culture. In his novella, Sherman tells the story of two men travelling to Phoenix, Arizona to retrieve the remains and belongings the one of the character’s deceased father. They culminate in acquiring knowledge about themselves and their culture on the journey. Thomas Builds-the-Fire represents the traditional aspect and is recognized for his storytelling. Victor represents the modern aspect. Culture plays an integral role in who we are. It will influence how we behave, think and believe. Our cultural history defines the next generation and their beliefs. Sherman’s piece highlights the traditions, culture and societal problems experienced by the American Indians on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Victor seems to fight against a sense of community and tradition while living on his reservation. This story represents the relationship between the individual Native American modern lifestyle and the Native Americans historical oppression. Victor is trying to locate his identity while Thomas is content with his. Thomas represents the storytelling tradition while Victor is torn between the outside world and the reservation he grew up on. “For Native Americans,