The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Hopes, Dreams, and Plans Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations for the text follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph); for art and illustrations: (Chapter.Illustration)

Quote #10

I don't know if anybody else has ever climbed that tree. I look at it now, years later, and I can't believe we did it.

And I can't believe I survived my first year at Reardan. (30.118-30.119)

Arnold has done many things in his life that seemed impossible. He climbed the giant pine at Turtle Lake, he had the courage to leave the rez, and he survived his first year at Reardan. The pine tree, then, stands as a metaphor for achieving an impossible task or goal.

Quote #11

"I'm not nomadic," Rowdy said. "Hardly anybody on this rez is nomadic. Except for you. You're the nomadic one."

"Whatever."

"No, I'm serious. I always knew you were going to leave. I always knew you were going to leave us behind and travel the world. I had this dream about you a few months ago. You were standing on the Great Wall of China. You looked happy. And I was happy for you." (30.176-30.178)

Rowdy finally forgives Arnold, and what's more, he's actually able to be happy for Arnold. This act allows Arnold to follow his own path.