An Analysis Of The Red Convertible By Louise Erdrich

The Red Convertible The short story â€Å"The Red Convertible† by Louise Erdrich is a story the author uses to shed light on the effects of mental illness on Vietnam era returning combat veterans. The story includes the effects not just on the veterans, also on their family and community. The acceptance and treatment of mental illness in veterans takes on new meaning with the recent increase in veterans returning from extended periods of service suffering from the disease of mental illness. The treatment for mental illness in earlier times such as lobotomies and electroshock therapy caused more harm than good, the medical profession lacked the knowledge and resources at the time to understand the disease. The central idea of this story is the†¦show more content†¦Layman saw the signs and the toll Henry’s illness was taking on life. Treatments for mental illness have taken on many forms over the years. Advancements in diagnosis, research, and treatments are help ing reduce the number of mental health related deaths among veterans. Considering treatments have improved from a time when lobotomies and electroshock therapy was the normal, to medication and counseling. The following heading of an article from Military Times states â€Å"New VA study finds 20 veterans commit suicide each day.† (Military Times), reveals more is needed to be done. Veterans are given many non-clinical options for treatment such as service animals, group hunting and fishing trips to name a few. Veterans returning from Vietnam like Henry have access to very little in the form of treatment. Layman and other family members are additionally confused as to helping Henry contend with his illness. Current treatments that incorporate family in the treatment program are encouraged by mental health professionals. Veterans suffering from mental illness have a better chance of maintaining a sense of dignity and stability, when family members and community are involved wit h the healing processes. Another challenge Henry must deal with is his ethnicity. As cited in The Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study, the American Indian combat veteran ranked second only toShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Red Convertible By Louise Erdrich2044 Words   |  9 Pageslives and a lot of money, but it also has serious influences on veterans. In the short story â€Å"The Red Convertible,† written by Louise Erdrich, concerns a relationship of an American brothers, Lyman and Henry before and after the Vietnam War. Before the war, they are close, happy, and passionate. They travel together throughout the country and share lots of beautiful memories with the red convertible, which they truly appreciate. However, when the war begins, Henry has to join the army and fight inRead MoreAn Analysis Of Louise Erdrich s The Red Convertible 840 Words   |  4 Pagessometimes more important than the characters of the story. In Louise Erdrich s The Red Convertible, the car playe d the same important role as the characters did, but for different reasons. Two brothers, Lyman and Henry, had very little in common other than their blood. One day they decided to catch a ride to Winnipeg. The car was introduced while these two were doing some sightseeing in the city. They spotted the red Oldsmobile convertible. Lyman, the storyteller, almost made the car a living thingRead MoreThe Red Convertible Short Story Analysis Essay774 Words   |  4 PagesChase Brown Oliva 9/22/12 English 102 Short Story Analysis: The Red Convertible â€Å"The Red Convertible† by Louise Erdrich is a short story about two Native American brothers, Lyman and Henry, and their growing bond as brothers. Symbolism is used rather heavily in this story. One of the main symbols of the story, as noted in the title, is the red convertible. The red convertible symbolizes the relationship status of the two brothers, and the struggles they face as Henry is drafted into theRead MoreThe Red Convertible1584 Words   |  7 Pagesculture, the red is the color of faith, and represents communication. The short story The Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich is more than an emotional story about the lives of two Chippewa brothers who grew up together on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. Erdrich uses metaphor, symbol, vivid imagery and a simple writing style to allow the reader to understand the text while also providing the opportunity to read a lot into the story. Written in the first person by Lyman Larmartine, The Red ConvertibleRead MoreThe Red Convertible By Louise Erdrich931 Words   |  4 Pages In the short story â€Å"The Red Convertible,† by Louise Erdrich, there are multiple literary devices used throughout. However, Erdrich most commonly utilizes theme and symbolism. She uses certain themes throughout most of her work, as noted by Keri L. Overall in a literary analysis. â€Å"Indeed, the themes of Erdrich’s stories range from the effects of war on families and personal identity to loss of heritage and family and personal relationships.† Erdrich also employs the use of symbolism in this storyRead MoreCritical Analysis Of The Red Convertible2200 Words   |  9 PagesPedro Ramirez English 2100 Critical Analysis Essay 11/6/17 Being an outsider is a common experience that can be difficult for people to overcome and describe. â€Å"The Red Convertible† is a good example of an outsider and can breakdown what it’s like to be in this social status. This short story shows Henry’s transition to becoming an outsider, and all the changes that occur to him differentiates an insider from an outsider. Henry is seen by his younger brother, Lyman, as a bestRead MoreCharacter Analysis Of Lt. Cross1129 Words   |  5 PagesSharneka Parker ENGL 2010 Valerie Belew 07/01/2017 1. Provide a character analysis of Lt. Cross in â€Å"The Things They Carried.†(20 pts.) †¢ In the story â€Å"The Things They Carried† by Tim O’Brien, Lt. Cross is a young soldier who like many others was drafted into the war. Though he is the leader of the Alpha Company, he doesn’t show it, he is not emotionally nor patriotically devoted. Lt. Cross was distracted from the war that was going on by his feelings for Martha whose letters and photos were a fantasy