Indian Education

How does Alexie link the educational system to broader manifestations of anti-Indigenous racism? What is the emotional and cultural cost of this education?

Consider the episodic structure of “Indian Education.” How does the story’s use of vignettes reinforce the story’s themes and character arc? How does it compare to traditional coming-of-age stories?

Analyze how the story juxtaposes Junior’s academic and athletic achievements with his experiences in a system that marginalizes and stereotypes him. In what ways does “Indian Education” critique the American myth of meritocracy?