Short Story Responses: The Red Convertible, Paul's Case, and The Man Who Was Almost a Man

This story represents the coming-of-age of two brothers who believe a "red convertible" is their answer to the "American Dream." As Lyman tells us, "There it was, parked, large as life. Really as if it was alive" (Erdrich, 1974, p. 475). They enjoy a series of adventures in this car, but after Lyman's older brother Henry goes off to and returns home from war, the car becomes symbolic of failed dreams and prejudice in American society. Henry's belief in society and the American dream end after he returns from the war. Eventually, Lyman and his brother drift apart because, as Lyman tells us, "�he was such a loner now that I didn't know how to take it" (Erdrich, 1974, p. 4). Chemically addicted, increasingly isolated and in despair that "crazy Indians" have no place in the American dream, Henry ultimately commits suicide. This story demonstrates the difficulty in formin

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