IB English HL I

Myumi Lee
12/02/2023
Dr. Malashewski

A recurring theme throughout Thomas Orange’s novel, There There, incorporates the core

concept of representation. The inclusion of representation throughout the book guides readers to

uncover the deeper symbols and meanings in Native American heritage. A prominent conflict

that occurs in this novel revolves around the issue of substance abuse and the detachment it

causes upon families and communities. A common instance regarding the representation of

substance abuse includes the influence it has on family members and close relatives, such as

when Dene Oxendene’s Uncle confesses to him that alcohol is, “the only thing that’s gonna make

me feel better.” (Orange 36-37). Illuminating the disparities of not only those such as Dene who

live with the perpetual impact of watching a loved one suffer with such a detrimental issue, but

this circumstance also represents the awful hindrance Dene’s Uncle faces on a daily basis

through his imperiled decision. Moreover, this prospect is a repetitive occurrence for the majority

of characters in the novel as substance influence represents the basis of the novel, such as the

introductory narrative of Tony Loneman and how he lives with the eternal consequences of

parental substance abuse. Tony proclaims, “I’m twenty-one now, which means I can drink if I

want. I don’t though. The way I see it, I got enough when I was a baby in my mom’s stomach.”

(Orange 16). Depicting that his mothers alcohol abuse while he was in the womb left him with

permanent physical deformities and a subtle lack of competency in comparison to his peers in

society.
 Furthermore, the urbanization of Native Americans portrayed in the novel indicates

another primary aspect of representation highlighted in the novel. The novel revolves around the

instance of Native Americans being placed in contemporary society to find their own unique

paths in life, however, hesitancy on behalf of Natives and other cultures were prominent.

Oftentimes, the characters struggle with finding their place in urbanized society as their culture is

very limited and many Natives feel very out of place. Therefore, Natives established Powwow

events to bring their people together and recognize a sense of belonging they had been desiring.

In the novel, Orange indicates, “We made powwows because we needed a place to be together.

Something intertribal, something old, something to make us money, something we could work

toward.” (Orange 135). As the characters face conflicts regarding self-expression and what it

means to be a Native American in the 21st century, they are often caught between the

conflictions of realities of the modern world and the traditions of their ancestors. Therefore, they

find ways to come together and identify a sense of belonging in their convoluted lives. Orange

deliberately represents the complex and unique experience of Native life, and how diverse yet

similar each character experience in the novel is from one another.

Representation is primarily perceived through Orange’s narrative structure, being

composed of interconnected perceptions. The multiplicity of voices challenges the stereotypical

notion that there is an individual, universal experience for all Natives. Therefore, his

incorporation of unique character narratives highlights the value of self representation and the act

of reclaiming one’s personal narrative without a stereotypical influence. The representation of

exploring one's identity and belonging signifies the prospect of telling a community's story

through multiple lenses and interconnection, indicating how external narratives shape personal

perceptions. Through each character's individual journey of grappling with personal dilemmas
such as substance abuse, parental negligence, and embracing one’s identity in urbanized society,

Orange profoundly represents modern Native American life. Through the intricate

multiperspectivity narration, Orange challenges typical literary stereotypes and underscores the

importance of authentic Native American representation through shaping a more accurate

understanding of the diverse Native experience. Therefore, readers are urged to look beyond one

perception of a marginalized community, and rather identify a more authentic and inclusive

representation of Native American narratives.