Phase 3 Writing Prompts for Sept. 24

Here are the writing prompts for Phase 3. Don't forget to post your 500–750-word reading responses by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 24. As always, I am available during office hours and via email if you need any advice during the writing process. The Writing Center is also a valuable resource; they are open 9:00 to 5:00, MWF, on the first floor of the Philosophy building next door.

Prompt 1: Thomas Builds-the-Fire, the seer, becomes increasingly isolated as the stories progress. Why do you think this is? How would you characterize his visions, his place in the reservation, and the nature of the threat that he poses? Be sure to discuss specific scenes and moments from the book to illustrate your points.

Consider, if desired, researching the historical allusions that Thomas includes in his visions. You could also research the history of storytelling in Native American culture (Spokane tribes in particular), or the recent histories of reservation life from the time period in which this book was published.

Prompt 2: Sherman Alexie refers to storytelling throughout The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven as both a tradition and a survival skill. Identify some specific moments from the book that illustrate stories being used or relied on for survival. Do you agree that "imagination" or "dreams" or "stories" are survival skills, or are they more like escapist techniques—a refusal to face life honestly? Support your argument with textual support.

Consider, if desired, researching historical information on the Spokane Native Americans or Alexie's biographical details. You could also research the history of storytelling in Native American culture (Spokane tribes in particular), or depictions of reservation life from the past twenty years.

Prompt 3: In "The Only Traffic Signal on the Reservation" (and many other stories), Alexie depicts basketball as having extraordinary significance on the reservation. With what meaning(s) is basketball invested? Why are the players seen as "heroes"? How does this connect with the book's overall themes? 

Consider, if desired, researching the history of basketball on Native American reservations or biographical information on Alexie. 

Prompt 4: The deep longing of young men to be warriors emerges in several stories. Why? What is the particular freight of this desire for young Native American men? What fuels their desire? What frustrates its fulfillment?

Consider, if desired, researching the history of the "warrior" in Native American culture (particularly the Northwest tribes, if possible).


Already have an idea of what you want to write about? Great! Go for it. I do, however, require that if you do not follow one of the above prompts, you must email me in advance your thesis statement or the question of your own that you want to answer. This way, I can give you helpful feedback concerning scope and depth, and you can rest assured that you are on the right track for this assignment.