Sherman Alexie's poem "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" tells the story of a Native American man named Jack, who is desperate to get back his grandmother's powwow regalia, or traditional dance clothes, which he sold for cash when he was struggling financially. The poem is set in a pawn shop, where Jack is bargaining with the shopkeeper to buy back the regalia.
The poem is rich with themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Jack's desperate desire to regain the regalia is tied to his sense of self and his connection to his ancestors. The regalia represents a part of his identity that has been lost, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back.
The shopkeeper, on the other hand, is more interested in the monetary value of the regalia than its cultural significance. He sees it as nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. This contrast between Jack's emotional connection to the regalia and the shopkeeper's detachment highlights the theme of the commercialization of culture and the way in which it can undermine the value of traditions and heritage.
The title of the poem, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem," suggests that Jack is willing to pay any price to reclaim the regalia. This phrase also has deeper meaning, as it suggests that Jack is willing to redeem not only the regalia, but also his own sense of identity and connection to his culture.
Ultimately, the poem speaks to the importance of cultural traditions and the way in which they shape our sense of self and our connection to our ancestors. It also critiques the way in which these traditions can be commodified and stripped of their meaning in a capitalist society.
In conclusion, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, and the way in which they can be threatened by the forces of capitalism. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing our cultural traditions.
A reflective essay is a type of writing in which the writer examines and reflects on their personal experiences or insights. It is an opportunity for the writer to analyze and evaluate their thoughts and feelings about a particular topic or event. When writing a reflective essay, it is important to have a clear and well-organized structure. This includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The conclusion is the final section of the essay and is often the most difficult to write. Here are some tips on how to end a reflective essay:
Summarize the main points: In the conclusion, it is important to summarize the main points of the essay. This helps to remind the reader of the main arguments and points that you have made throughout the essay.
Provide a final reflection: In the conclusion, it is also a good idea to provide a final reflection on the topic. This could be a personal reflection on what you have learned from the experience or insights that you have gained.
Make connections to the bigger picture: In the conclusion, it is useful to make connections between the topic of the essay and the larger context. This could be the relevance of the topic to your personal or professional life, or to the wider world.
End with a call to action: If applicable, you could end the essay with a call to action. This could be a suggestion for further reading or research on the topic, or a suggestion for ways in which the reader can apply the insights gained from the essay to their own life.
Conclude with a strong final sentence: The final sentence of the essay should be strong and memorable. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader and encourage them to continue thinking about the topic.
Overall, the conclusion of a reflective essay is an opportunity to reflect on the insights and lessons learned from the experience or topic being discussed. It is a chance to tie everything together and provide a final perspective on the topic.
