-
Essay / Poem by Alexie: What you pawn I will redeem - 1223
Jackson's own research is more than optimistic; a homeless First Nations alcoholic trying to raise a thousand dollars in twenty-four hours seems ridiculous. However, through simple dialogue, the story slowly shows us Jackson's penchant for seeing things through an optimistic lens. “I know it's crazy, but I wondered if I could bring my grandmother back to life if I bought back her regalia” (p. 176). . Even though Jackson is a bad alcoholic, he tends to see the positive side of things. Although there is optimism in Jackson's life, we also find loneliness. The author shows the desolation Jackson feels in the following line: “Piece by piece, I have disappeared” (p. 170). The author depicts a slow dissolution of self. If there are people in his life, there is also a detachment. Throughout the story, we realize that Jackson seems to bribe his friends, from Rose and Junior with alcohol to the Aleuts with breakfast. Jackson's "teammates, defenders and groups" disappear, further isolating Jackson. Although Jackson leads a solitary life, that doesn't stop him from making friends wherever he wants..