Homework "The Joy of Reading and Writing"

1. What parts of this essay do you not understand? Write down all that come to mind as
you read.
This essay in particular was simple to comprehend. There were bits and pieces that may have
caused a small setback. One of these was the section in which the author was repetitive. He is
trying to get the point across by using the tactic of repetition when he speaks of himself reading
any chance he got. When the author mentioned the kids who did not want to read, he used the
metaphor of the door being closed. This showed that the kids were not open to receiving help
or as the author would say a way to save their lives.
1. Why does Alexie repeatedly state that he is “lucky”?
Alexie in this short story is trying to communicate to the reader that he is in fact lucky. He is
lucky to have the knowledge he holds. The reason he is making it so prominent is to show that
in his reservation it was very uncommon. Especially, for a kid in his situation, where the
expectations were exceedingly low for Indian kids. Hence, to have the ability or luck he has to
have that knowledge, he was quite fortunate.
1. Why does Alexie think that reading and writing saved his life and will save others’ lives as
well?
Reading and writing to Alexie was such a precious talent that saved his life because he was able
to make a successful career out of being a writer. It allowed him to get out of the reservation
where usually their prospects were not very good. Given this, the author’s thoughts about how
it saved his life, he believes it would do the same for others. For this reason, he has made it a
point to give this precious gift back to those in the reservation by volunteering. He states that he
goes to teach these children as often as he can to show these children the gift of reading and
writing. Not only to show them that gift, but also the value that it holds for anyone who has it.