The Lone Ranger and Tonto Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who is the author of 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven'?

Langston Hughes

Sherman Alexie (correct)

James Baldwin

Mark Twain

What is the point of view of the story?

First person limited

What is the title an example of?

An allusion

What does the title 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven' symbolize?

The Lone Ranger was a white man. Tonto was an Indian. Together they were Wild West heroes that fought crimes on a TV show. They are fighting in heaven because they don't like each other. Indian and white men can't get along. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the character insecure?

He's insecure because he's Native American Signup and view all the answers

How is the character wrong about the 7-11 clerk?

Character assumes the 7-11 clerk thinks he is an armed robber. However, the clerk joked around with the character. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean by 'the cop waved back accidentally'?

Narrator thinks that all cops are mean and hate him because he's Native American. Signup and view all the answers

What's wrong with the chief's kid?

He's white Signup and view all the answers

Was the white boy good at basketball?

True Signup and view all the answers

What does the white boy prove about race?

Shows that you're not limited by race or background. You are only limited by yourself. Signup and view all the answers

What makes the narrator look at the want ads?

Losing to the white boy in basketball. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator change in a good way at the end of the story?

He hasn't had alcohol in a year. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mention throughout the story?

Dreams Signup and view all the answers

What does he say at the end of the story about dreams?

He knows how all his dreams end anyway. Signup and view all the answers

What's the story about?

A Native American's life. Signup and view all the answers

Why do his parents expect more out of him than regular Indians?

Because he went to college and he's smart. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator break a lot?

Lamps while fighting with his girlfriend. Signup and view all the answers

Can we trust the narrator?

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Perspective

Author: Sherman Alexie, a prominent Native American writer.
Point of view is first person limited, providing personal insight and subjective experiences.

Title Significance

Title "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" serves as an allusion, reflecting the cultural dynamics and tensions between Native Americans and white Americans.

Character Analysis

The protagonist grapples with insecurity stemming from his Native American identity.
Assumption regarding the 7-11 clerk highlights misunderstandings and stereotypes; the character falsely believes he is perceived as a threat.
The narrator's perception of law enforcement is shaped by experiences of prejudice; he believes cops inherently dislike him due to his race.

Racial Dynamics and Youth

The chief's son is portrayed as white, representing racial disparity within the community.
The white boy's basketball skills challenge stereotypes; he plays exceptionally, akin to Native American styles, indicating fluidity in talent across races.
The narrative illustrates that limitations are self-imposed rather than defined by race.

Personal Growth and Dreams

The narrator's motivation to seek employment arises from feelings of inadequacy after losing to the white boy in basketball.
By the story's end, there is a notable positive transformation; he has maintained sobriety for a year, suggesting personal growth and resilience.
Dreams recur as a thematic element, encapsulating desires and aspirations despite harsh realities.
At the conclusion, the narrator reflects on the futility of dreams, acknowledging their inevitable endings.

Cultural Expectations and Challenges

The narrator's parents have elevated expectations due to his educational achievements, expecting more from him compared to other Native Americans.
His tumultuous relationship is symbolized by the breaking of lamps during conflicts with his girlfriend, indicating emotional turbulence.
Trust in the narrator is ambiguous; his accounts of alcoholism may be exaggerated, casting doubt on his reliability throughout the story.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Sherman Alexie's 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven' with these flashcards. Each card dives into critical concepts like point of view and literary elements. Perfect for anyone studying this iconic work.