Sherman Alexie suggests through his short story that all
of us--in one context or situation or another--face being the "other," the person often
left out or denigrated in some way or another. As human beings, none of us like feeling
this way and often strike out to keep ourselves from being treated in this way, and yet
we all also turn around and treat others this same way as
well.
Clearly, Thomas has been made to feel as the "other"
throughout his life in his experiences with Victor. Victor has been verbally and
mentally abusive toward Thomas for being different. Victor was often treated in a very
similar manner by his father, who--at least in the instance of Spokane Falls--treated
Thomas very well. Navigating these realities and coming to terms with them is the
central conflict of this story. And although that conflict is never fully resolved, we
do sense as readers that by story's end these two characters are more able to their
world through one another's eyes.
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