"This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona"

This story by Alexie gives the reader a very descripitive picture of how difficult and trying life is on an Indian reservation. The story forces you to focus on all of the negative aspects of Indain life on the "rez" such as extreme poverty for everyone and the excessive loss of their tribal traditions and culture. I found myself wondering, as the story was coming to an end, what was the reasoning for his father leaving. I can relate to the trials he was enduring but Alexie nevers gives the reader this piece of mind. It was evident to me as the story progresses this reservation was a lot like what we have been talking about in class in the sense that there is alcoholism and poverty everywhere not to mention the sense of a lost culture to the world. Thomas is a colorful character throughout the story who carries himself and thinks like his ancestors before him. His telling of his visions begin to make Victor realize that even though there culture is struggling, there is always a turning force to guide them at all times or as Thomas says, "Nothing Stops, cousin".