Why is Junior surprised by the outpouring of sympathy he receives from his classmates at Reardan?
Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy he receives from his classmates at Reardan because he is used to being treated as an outsider and an outcast at his previous school on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He was often subjected to name-calling, bullying, and ridicule there. In contrast, the students at Reardan, who come from a more privileged background, show him kindness and empathy. Junior had expected to be treated poorly due to his background and reservations, but instead, he finds himself being embraced and accepted by his new classmates. This unexpected compassion and sympathy surprises Junior and challenges his prior beliefs about how he would be treated outside of his reservation.
Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan because he never experienced such kindness and empathy before. As a Native American boy transferring from the reservation school to an all-white school, he expected to face racism and prejudice. However, instead of being ostracized, his classmates at Reardan sympathize with him and recognize the challenges he faces. This surprises Junior because he had internalized negative stereotypes about himself and Native Americans, assuming that others would view him in the same way. The sympathy and support he receives from his classmates show him a different reality and challenge his preconceived notions, leading to his feelings of surprise and gratitude.
To understand why Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan, we need to look at the context of Sherman Alexie's novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian."
In the story, Junior, the main character, grows up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He experiences poverty, alcoholism, and the limited opportunities that come with living on a reservation. One day, he decides to transfer to Reardan High School, a predominantly white school, in search of better educational opportunities. This decision is not well received by many members of his reservation, who view him as a traitor for leaving his community.
So, when Junior arrives at Reardan, he expects to face hostility, judgment, and isolation from his new classmates. He believes that they will not understand his struggles or accept him as an equal. His assumption is based on his experience of being seen as an outsider and being treated poorly on the reservation.
However, Junior's expectations are shattered when his classmates at Reardan not only accept him but also show him empathy, compassion, and friendship. They sympathize with his difficult background, his losses, and the challenges he faces. They recognize his resilience and admire his determination to overcome adversity. Their kindness surprises Junior and challenges his preconceived notions about how he would be treated at a school where he is one of the few Native American students.
In summary, Junior is surprised by the outpouring of sympathy from his classmates at Reardan because he expected to be judged and alienated due to his background and the differences between their cultures. The kind and empathetic reception he receives contradicts his assumptions, leading to his surprise and a reevaluation of his biases.