Reservation Blues Magical Realism Essay

The novel "Reservation Blues", written by, Sherman Alexie, portrays Native American culture ideas and spiritual beliefs through both music and a story of young Native American's trying to live life away from their reservations. In “Reservation Blues”, Alexie creates a better understanding of Native American way of life through magical realism such as Robert Johnson’s guitar, Big Mom, and the “Gentleman.” The elements magical realism not only give the reader a different aspect of the characters, but they also give a mysterious aspect to the plot as well. To truly understand the magical realism used in “Reservation Blues”, one must understand American Indian culture first.
As shown at the powwows in “Reservation Blues” tradition and community is highly important for American Indians. In many stories like “The Earth on the Turtle's Back”, it shows that important kindness perseverance, and working together is a virtue for most American Indians. Also the eagle is a key symbol for freedom and religion for the American Indians, for it is a “symbol of the creator.” Religion is a huge part of American Indian life and …show more content…
Magical elements such as Big Mom and Robert Johnson’s guitar play a key role in developing the reader’s understanding of the American Indian way of life. Both Big Mom and Robert Johnson’s guitar show the importance of music in the American Indian life.Big Mom provides many examples of traditional American Indian ways, such as sweat lodges. Magical realism also adds mystery to the plot of “Reservation Blues”. While reading many questions are created due to the magical realism, such as who the “Gentleman” truly is, and why Robert Johnson’s guitar is so powerful. Not only do magical realism contribute to “Reservation Blues” plot and the way of life of its characters, it also includes American Indian cultural ideas and spiritual