Thomas Builds-the-Fire

Basic Framework

• eccentric storyteller
• symbol of antique Native American tradition

Thomas in LR

• Alexie's target audience: Native Americans
• Thomas seeks to remedy plight and suffering of Native Americans via tradition
• Source of envy for his wisdom, courage, perserverance = outcast
• Seeks to instill antique Indian values within Indians in today's society via darker, heavier stories
• stories are darker because they are more personal, they define him, no family
• Ultimately ends up in jail
• Alexie's message is a warning to American Indians to be mature enough to embrace tradition and not neglect tribal identity.
• Thomas/stories are complex, enshroud in meaning

Thomas in SS

• Target audience: Non-Native Americans
• Purpose: make known tradition and plight of Native Americans
• Thomas is gawky/nerdy instead of outcast
• Seeks to verbalize antique Indian values to today's western society via transparent, lighthearted, humorous stories
• Why? to entertain/barter
• Thomas/stories are simple - not multifaceted