A reflective essay is a type of writing in which the writer reflects on their personal experiences, events, or feelings. The purpose of this type of essay is to examine one's personal growth and development, and to understand how these experiences have shaped the writer's perspective. Reflective essays can be written on a variety of topics, and the ideas for these essays are often inspired by the writer's own life experiences.
Some ideas for a reflective essay include:
A significant event or accomplishment in your life: This could be a personal milestone, such as graduating from college, or a professional achievement, such as getting a promotion at work. Reflect on how this event or accomplishment has affected your life and your perspective.
A difficult experience or challenge: Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you coped with it. Think about what you learned from the experience and how it has affected your personal growth.
A trip or vacation: Reflect on a memorable trip or vacation that you took. Think about the sights, sounds, and experiences that you encountered and how they have stayed with you.
A relationship: Reflect on a meaningful relationship that you have had with someone, whether it be a romantic partner, a family member, or a friend. Think about how this person has impacted your life and how your relationship has evolved over time.
A personal belief or value: Reflect on a personal belief or value that you hold dear and how it has shaped your life and perspective. Think about how this belief or value has been challenged or tested, and how you have come to understand its importance to you.
Ultimately, the idea for a reflective essay will depend on the experiences and events that have shaped your life and perspective. The key to writing a successful reflective essay is to be honest, genuine, and reflective about your experiences and how they have impacted you.
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.
