Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Sherman Alexie’s poem "Translated from the American" offers a poignant commentary on the intersection of Native American identity, cultural assimilation, and the persistent stereotypes and misconceptions held by mainstream society. The poem is a reflection on the alienation and objectification experienced by Native Americans in a land that was once entirely their own.

The setting of the poem is evocative and symbolic. Alexie describes a scene at a drive-in theater, a quintessentially American space, which is closed for winter. This closure can be seen as a metaphor for the neglect and marginalization of Native American culture and history in the broader American narrative. The narrator, a Native American, chooses this space to make camp, suggesting a reclaiming of land and space, albeit in a modern, transformed landscape.

The reference to the Seventh Cavalry, infamous for their role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, further deepens the historical context. By juxtaposing this with the imagery of the drive-in theater, Alexie bridges the gap between historical conflicts and contemporary Native American experiences. The endless riding of the cavalry in a double formation could symbolize the unending cycle of conflict and oppression faced by Native Americans.

The Union Gospel Mission and the post office box serve as symbols of transience and displacement. These are places associated with those who are homeless or transient, underscoring the theme of displacement and disconnection from one’s roots and home.

The act of wrapping oneself in old blankets in anticipation of white boys seeking to watch "this Indian speak in subtitles" is a powerful image. It reflects the ways in which Native Americans are often viewed as artifacts or relics of the past, their voices and stories filtered and translated for mainstream consumption. The anticipation of being an object of curiosity to these boys is telling of the voyeuristic and often superficial interest in Native American culture.

The boys’ expected question, "how," and the narrator's response with "exact directions" is a play on the stereotypical greeting attributed to Native Americans in popular culture. This interaction highlights the superficial understanding and engagement with Native American culture, reducing it to clichés and stereotypes.

In "Translated from the American," Alexie uses vivid imagery and historical references to critique the romanticized and often misguided perceptions of Native American culture. The poem speaks to the experience of living in a society that simultaneously erases and fetishizes Native American history and identity, leaving the narrator to navigate a landscape of cultural displacement and objectification

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