Monday, December 6, 2010

"What You Pawn I Will Redeem"



Summary: The story is told through the character of Jackson Jackson. He is a homeless alcoholic of Spokane Indian decent who finds his grandmother’s regalia at a pawn shop. He sets out on a quest to raise $1000 and gain back this family heirloom. The story focuses on the obstacles Jackson faces and the humor he uses to get through his difficult position. Alexie is very similar to Jackson as he is a Spokane Indian, suffered from alcoholism, and also is known for his quick wit.


The Theme of Generosity:

The boss at the newspaper mission gives Jackson fifteen papers for free in order to help him out.

The cop that wakes him up from the railroad tracks ends up giving him $30 after hearing his story.

Jackson himself is very generous on several occasions. The money he accumulates is spent on alcohol for his friends at 7-11, and then later at the bar where he buys shots for all the Indians with his lotto winnings. He takes out three Aleut men he met on a bench for breakfast. He also shares the money he won with Kay as a gesture of kindness and says, “It’s an Indian thing. When you win, you’re supposed to share with your family” (Alexie 1512).

The pawnbroker is generous at the beginning of the story when he gives Jackson $20 to start off his mission, and then at the end when he returns the regalia to him without a payment.

At the end Jackson thinks, “Do you know how many good men live in this world? Too many to count!” (Alexie 1520).




Interpretation:

Jackson’s character might be viewed by some as lazy or stupid based on the choices he makes with the money he is given. The first thing he did after leaving the pawn shop is “buy three bottles of imagination” (Alexie 1508). Throughout the story Jackson spends every penny he comes across as soon as he gets it. This leaves the reader frustrated with the cycle, but also aware of his debilitating addiction. Despite his homelessness and problems, Jackson is truly hopeful to regain the regalia. The thought of his grandmother melts his heart and the need to honor her memory overwhelms him. This hope alone is why he receives the regalia in the end. If he gave up, knowing the unlikelihood that he would earn the money, then nothing would have been accomplished. Instead he continues to preach his mission and is not defeated by the situation. He finds humor when most would not imagine having a smile. One of the striking lines of the story is when he tells the cop, “The two funniest tribes I’ve ever been around are Indians and Jews, so I guess that says something about the inherent humor of genocide” (Alexie 1516). Jackson may never beat alcoholism or find a home, but he will continue to see the good in the world. His outlook is a priceless attribute. 

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