A Comprehensive Study Guide for Sherman Alexie's Flight: A Novel

Sherman Alexie's Flight is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complex issues of identity, race, and family in contemporary Native American life. This comprehensive study guide will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the book's themes, characters, and literary devices.

Study Guide for Sherman Alexie's Flight

by Sarah Weeks

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1511 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	29 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Themes

Flight explores a number of important themes, including:

• Identity: The novel follows the journey of Zits, a young Spokane Indian boy who is struggling to find his place in the world. Zits is caught between two worlds, the traditional Spokane culture of his father and the modern American culture of his mother. He must learn to navigate both worlds and find his own unique identity.
• Race: Flight also explores the issue of race in America. Zits is a member of a marginalized group, and he experiences racism and discrimination throughout his life. The novel shows how racism can damage the lives of individuals and communities.
• Family: Family is a central theme in Flight. Zits's family is dysfunctional and abusive, but he still loves them. The novel explores the complex dynamics of family relationships and the importance of forgiveness.

Characters

Flight features a cast of complex and well-developed characters. The main characters include:

• Zits: The protagonist of the novel, Zits is a young Spokane Indian boy who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is intelligent and creative, but he is also troubled by his past and his family's dysfunction.
• Junior Polatkin: Zits's father, Junior is a Spokane Indian who is struggling with alcoholism and unemployment. He is a loving father, but he is also often violent and abusive.
• Mary Polatkin: Zits's mother, Mary is a white woman who is struggling with her own demons. She is a loving mother, but she is also often depressed and withdrawn.
• Eugene Polatkin: Zits's older brother, Eugene is a successful lawyer. He is intelligent and ambitious, but he is also emotionally distant from his family.
• Agnes Polatkin: Zits's younger sister, Agnes is a bright and promising young woman. She is the only member of the family who seems to have escaped the dysfunction of her parents.

Literary Devices

Alexie uses a variety of literary devices in Flight to create a powerful and moving story. Some of the most important literary devices include:

• Symbolism: Alexie uses symbolism throughout the novel to explore the themes of identity, race, and family. For example, the image of the flight in the title of the novel symbolizes the journey of Zits as he tries to find his place in the world.
• Metaphor: Alexie also uses metaphor to explore the complex emotions of his characters. For example, he compares Zits's father to a "black hole" to symbolize his destructive nature.
• Irony: Alexie uses irony to create tension and suspense. For example, the novel opens with a scene of Zits playing basketball, a sport that is traditionally associated with masculinity and success. However, Zits is a small and unathletic boy, and he is clearly out of his element on the basketball court.

Sherman Alexie's Flight is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complex issues of identity, race, and family in contemporary Native American life. This comprehensive study guide has provided you with an in-depth analysis of the book's themes, characters, and literary devices. We encourage you to read the novel and explore its many layers of meaning.

Study Guide for Sherman Alexie's Flight

by Sarah Weeks

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1511 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	29 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE