This is What it Means to Say 'I Understand'

“We are all given one thing by which our lives are measured, one determination. Mine are the stories which can change or not change the world. It doesn’t matter which as long as I continue to tell the stories.” -Sherman Alexie, This is What it Means to say Phoenix Arizona

In Alexie’s short story, readers are initially introduced to pure-blooded Indian, Victor, who just lost his job and unfortunately enough, his father. Needing to make arrangements and claim his father’s small inheritance, Victor finds himself in front of the Tribal Council pleading for financial help. Victor is then forced to try and make do with the small change he is given to travel to Phoenix, Arizona. At this point, the audience meets the story’s strange but noble hero—Thomas Build-a-fire. Thomas and Victor had grown together, but Thomas’ love for story-telling seemed to drift him away from both Victor and his community. Nonetheless, we find that though Victor had once beaten Thomas in a drunken rage at the age of fifteen, Thomas still offers to help in exchange for his accompaniment along the trip. With no other choice, Victor reluctantly accepts all the while remembering the times the two spent together as children.

The provided quote helps readers to understand Thomas’ character even more. At first glance, it seems he might be in his own world, but after learning that he grew up with little family, it becomes evident just why Thomas lives to tell stories-- a reason I completely identify with. Thomas explains that we are all given one gift that makes us who we are, and these gifts motivate our very pursuits and mold the perceptions that the world carries for us. Thomas’ gift was story telling. He understands that his stories hold the power and possibility of changing the world. To him, it doesn't matter who is listening to judge or listening to understand. As long as someone is listening, give it be an animal, his gift was still being used. He still had his stories to deem friends.  I, myself, can understand his logic.

I write. It is my one determination. I write short stories and extensive one’s quite often. Though I am not as bold as Thomas to share these stories, it doesn't change the fact that I am ready to write at moment's notice. I write to understand and to fill inadequate spaces in my life, just as Thomas does. Thomas lost his mother, father and never had any siblings. His story telling has become all of those relationships for him. He visions and shares, as I do myself. Any gift given and mastered has a greater likelihood of greatly affecting the world. I've always believed that. Thomas isn't a strange man merely staying true to a promise he made years in advance, he is a person who has mastered his craft and no longer needs approval from anyone to understand nor accept it. Consider even his tribal name—Build-a-Fire. Typically, when a group or tribe is camping, a fire is built. Once everyone encircles that flame, stories are inevitably told. This idea in itself alludes to the idea that Thomas was meant to tell stories from the very beginning. The aforementioned quote just helps readers to grasp that idea while providing an insightful undertone that calls us all to both embrace and master our gifts.