A Spiritual Journey of Reconnection and Redemption

Categories: Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie’s "What you Pawn, I Will Redeem" may seem like a straightforward tale about a homeless, alcoholic Native American in Seattle striving to retrieve his grandmother's Pow Wow regalia from a nearby pawn shop. However, upon closer examination, there are numerous symbolic passages that could lead to more profound interpretations. Throughout the narrative, there are hints suggesting that this quest might be more of a spiritual journey rather than a tangible one for the protagonist. One could argue that Jackson Jackson was embarking on a contemporary vision quest.

In the story's introduction, Jackson candidly portrays himself as a homeless Indian who has been through multiple marriages, parenthood, and mental breakdowns, as well as being an alcoholic whose health is deteriorating. His dependence on alcohol has reached a critical point, potentially altering his perception of reality due to years of substance abuse and mental instability.

It is possible that his quest to retrieve his grandmother's regalia is actually a delusion, a manifestation within himself to reconnect with his family, heritage, and identity.

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His longing to reunite with his people is clear from the beginning of the story and may be influenced by his circumstances. "My people have resided within a hundred mile radius of Spokane, Washington for at least 10,000 years," he states, despite being homeless. He feels invisible, like many other homeless Native Americans in Seattle. "I vanished piece by piece, and I've been disappearing ever since." This passage could represent not only his personal sense of alienation from his family and culture, but also the struggles faced by Native American communities as they strive to preserve their cultural roots in the face of displacement from their ancestral lands and sacred sites.

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These excerpts highlight the significance he places on his family and heritage.

He is proud of his identity as a "Spokane Indian boy, an Interior Salish" and becomes suspicious of another Indian man who refuses to identify with a specific tribe. This leads him to reflect that "we Indians are great storytellers and liars and mythmakers…" hinting that his own story may not be entirely truthful, but still his truth. The sudden appearance of a pawnshop on a familiar corner adds to the sense of mystery, with Jackson noting that "We Indians have built-in pawnshop radar" despite never noticing this one before. The mystical aura continues as the pawnshop seems to vanish and reappear like a ghost ship, with even the owner's appearance changing in Jackson's memory.

Jackson's experience with the pawnshop may have been a delusion, as indicated by the fact that his Grandmother's missing regalia is hanging in the front window. This Pow Wow regalia serves as a significant catalyst for his healing process. Jackson has linked his family's misfortunes, including his grandmother's death, to the theft of her regalia. He wonders if her cancer started when it was stolen and ponders if he can bring her back to life by purchasing it back. By focusing on the missing regalia, he is able to reconnect with his past and address the series of family tragedies he attributes to its theft. Reclaiming the regalia becomes a personal mission for Jackson, who believes that doing so will honor his grandmother and his culture while also helping him regain a sense of identity.

The man declines the policeman's offer to investigate the theft, stating that he cares about it and it's been a long time since he cared about anything. He understands that he must resolve the issue himself, as he must earn the rights to claim it. The pawn shop and regalia are easily recognizable clues that may lead one to think he may be suffering from a delusion, but there are also more subtly written nuances. The three Aleut fishermen play a role in his story, with their introduction following a moment by the water where salt always smells like memory, hinting at a delusional encounter. While not fully developed characters, the Aleuts contribute to the man's tale.

Throughout the story, the three Aleuts are also longing and searching for their home, and together they cry and miss their families. They are stagnant, choosing to sit and wait for the return of their boat rather than try another path to get them home. This may parallel Jackson’s homelessness and alcoholism in the story. In a later passage they share spiritual chants and songs with him, singing stories about their grandmothers and families, which help to guide him closer to his heritage and his own grandmother's memory. Even their exit from the story further promotes the feeling of mysticism. "Some Indians swore they walked on water and headed north". They had chosen, as he had, to try to find their way home. The pawnbroker is the final character in the story that plays a part in Jackson’s delusion. Even though Jackson still doesn’t have the money that the pawnbroker has specified, he gives Jackson the regalia.

The pawnbroker seemed more focused on helping Jackson reconnect with his family and culture, rather than just getting money for the regalia. Jackson nonchalantly mentions how friends and family have disappeared from his life, like when he learned Junior had died in Oregon. This casual way of recounting these losses reflects the resignation and hopelessness he feels.

Despite his acceptance of losing loved ones, the protagonist continues to help others, viewing Indians and Aleuts as 'cousins' and considering the shopkeeper's daughter as 'family'. Through these connections, he realizes he is not alone. He reassures the pawnbroker that it is acceptable to have Indians everywhere, ultimately earning enough money to reclaim his family's heirloom. By donning regalia and dancing in the streets, he embraces his grandmother's culture, feeling connected once more. Like the yellow bead sewn into his regalia, he sees himself as imperfect but part of something beautiful, no longer invisible but acknowledged.

Updated: Feb 21, 2024
Cite this page

A Spiritual Journey of Reconnection and Redemption. (2016, Sep 23). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/personality-in-what-you-pawn-i-will-redeem-essay

A Spiritual Journey of Reconnection and Redemption essay
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