“The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

First published in 1984 short story collection Love Medicine, “The Red Convertible”by Louise Erdrich stands out as an interesting narrative. Centered around a gleaming red Oldsmobile convertible, the story employs this powerful symbol to explore the interconnected lives of characters residing on a North Dakota reservation. Erdrich’s masterful prose deftly portrays the complexities of familial bonds, the struggles surrounding cultural identity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Main Events in “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

Literary Devices in “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

Literary Device	Definition	Example from the Story
Allusion	Reference to a historical or cultural figure or event	Mention of Red Tomahawk, an Indian historical figure
Foreshadowing	Hinting at future events or outcomes	Description of Henry’s changed behavior after returning from war
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis	“I wanted to smash that tube to pieces”
Imagery	Vivid descriptions that evoke sensory experiences	Description of the swollen river
Irony	Contrast between expectations and reality	The calm appearance of the red convertible with a “FOR SALE” sign
Metaphor	Comparing two unrelated things to highlight a similarity	“His face broke like stones when water boils up inside them”
Parallelism	Repetition of similar grammatical structures	“He’s wild. He wants to pitch whoopee! He’s up and at me and all over.”
Personification	Giving human characteristics to non-human things	Watching the car “plow softly into the water”
Simile	Comparison using “like” or “as”	“His face looked clear, more peaceful, like it wasn’t thinking of anything in particular except the bare fields and windbreaks.”
Symbolism	Use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts	The red convertible symbolizing the brothers’ bond
Theme	Central message or insight about life	The theme of loss and change
Tone	Author’s attitude toward the subject matter	Shifting from nostalgic to melancholic
Flashback	Interruption of present action to provide past information	Reminiscing about past summers with Henry
Conflict	Struggle between opposing forces	Internal conflict within the narrator
Dialogue	Conversation revealing characters’ personalities and relationships	Confrontation between the narrator and Henry by the river
Mood	Atmosphere or emotional tone	Shifting from carefree to tense and somber
Characterization	Techniques used to develop characters	Description of Henry’s behavior after returning from war
Setting	Time and place of the story	Various settings like the reservation, road trip, and riverbank
Suspense	Feeling of anticipation or uncertainty	Tension during the confrontation by the river
Motif	Recurring elements contributing to the story’s meaning	Motif of water symbolizing change and transformation

Characterization in “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

Major Characters

• Lyman Lamartine (Narrator):
  • A shrewd businessman with a talent for making money.
  • Feels a deep connection to his brother, Henry.
  • Attempts to help Henry cope with his trauma but ultimately feels helpless.
  • The story unfolds from his perspective.
• Henry Lamartine:
  • Initially lighthearted and enjoys life on the reservation with his brother.
  • Scarred by his experiences in the Vietnam War, suffering from PTSD.
  • Struggles to readjust to life back home.
  • The car becomes a symbol of his lost sense of normalcy.

Minor Characters

• Susy: A young woman Lyman and Henry meet on their road trip.
  • Represents a carefree time in their lives.
• Bonita Lamartine: Lyman and Henry’s younger sister.
  • Takes the photograph of the brothers beside the car, a reminder ofhappier times.
• Moses Pillager: An old man and former suitor of Lyman’s mother.
  • Creates tension due to his potential jealousy of Henry.
• Mom: Lyman and Henry’s mother.
  • Worried about her son, Henry, and seeks alternative solutions due to their distrust of the healthcare system.
• Ray: Lyman’s friend who helps him deal with the picture of Henry.

Major Themes in “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

1. Loss of Innocence and the Impact of War: The red convertible symbolizes the carefree life Lyman and Henry enjoyed before the war. Henry’s return from Vietnam is marked by a deep change, highlighting the war’s capacity to destroy innocence. Example: “Lyman polished the chrome until it blazed…撫摸 (fǔ mō) (gently stroked) it the way you might touch a newborn baby” (referring to the car after Henry’s return). This act contrasts with Henry’s dark mood, emphasizing the loss of their previous carefree selves.
2. The Fragile Bond of Brotherhood: The story explores the challenges faced by the brothers’ relationship after the war. Example: When Henry pushes Lyman away, stating, “Don’t touch me,” it highlights the emotional distance created by Henry’s trauma.
3. The Power andLimitations of Material Possessions:** The car initially represents freedom, adventure, and shared experiences for the brothers. However, after the war, it becomes a painful reminder of their lost connection. Example: Lyman’s act of damaging the car showcases his belief that the car might be the key to bringing Henry back.
4. The Difficulty of Healing from Trauma: The story portrays the lasting effects of war trauma on Henry. Even with Lyman’s support, Henry struggles to find peace. Example: The violent fight scene between the brothers and Henry’s subsequent manic behavior highlight the depth of his emotional turmoil.

Writing Style in “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

• Vivid Imagery:
  • “The car reposed, calm and gleaming, a FOR SALE sign in its left front window.”
  • “The sun doesn’t truly set there in summer, and the night is more a soft dusk.”
• Symbolism:
  • The red convertible symbolizes the bond between the brothers, which evolves throughout the story.
• Flashback and Foreshadowing:
  • Flashbacks provide insight into the characters’ past experiences, such as their carefree summer road trip.
  • Foreshadowing hints at the tragic events to come, particularly in the changes observed in Henry’s behavior after returning from war.
• Dialogue and Internal Monologue:
  • Conversations between the characters reveal their inner struggles and conflicts, adding depth to their personalities.
• Exploration of Themes:
  • Themes such as brotherhood, loss, and the impact of war are explored through the characters’ experiences and interactions.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

Literary Theory	Interpretation
Psychoanalytic Theory	The story can be interpreted through the lens of psychoanalytic theory, exploring the psychological dynamics between the two brothers, Henry and Lyman. Their relationship, particularly Henry’s transformation after returning from war, could be analyzed in terms of Freudian concepts such as the ego, id, and superego.
Marxist Theory	A Marxist interpretation might focus on the economic and social conditions depicted in the story, examining the brothers’ experiences within the context of their Native American identity and the broader capitalist society. Themes of ownership, loss, and exploitation could be analyzed through a Marxist lens.
Feminist Theory	From a feminist perspective, the story could be analyzed in terms of gender dynamics and power structures, particularly in relation to the portrayal of female characters such as Susy and Bonita. The limited agency of these characters and their roles within the narrative could be explored in light of feminist critiques of patriarchy and sexism.
Postcolonial Theory	A postcolonial reading might examine the story’s depiction of Native American identity and the legacy of colonialism. The brothers’ experiences could be analyzed as reflections of the ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous communities, with themes of cultural assimilation, displacement, and resistance being central to the interpretation.
Reader-Response Theory	Reader-response theory emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting and constructing meaning from a text. In “The Red Convertible,” readers might interpret the significance of the titular car, the characters’ relationships, and the story’s themes based on their own personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and emotional responses to the narrative.
Formalist Theory	A formalist analysis of the story would focus on the formal elements of the text, such as its structure, language, and imagery, without considering external factors such as authorial intention or historical context. This approach might explore the use of symbolism, narrative voice, and stylistic techniques to uncover the story’s underlying themes and aesthetic effects.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

Topics:

• The Impact of War
• Loss of Innocence
• The Power of Symbols
• Family Relationships
• Healing from Trauma
• Material Possessions and Happiness

Questions:

• How does the red convertible function as a symbol in the story? How does its meaning change throughout the story?
• In what ways does Henry’s experience in the Vietnam War affect him and his relationship with Lyman?
• How does Louise Erdrich portray the challenges of healing from trauma?
• How does the story explore the complex relationship between material possessions and happiness?
• What is the significance of the ending of the story?

Thesis Statements:

• War leaves indelible scars, not only on the battlefield but also on the lives of those who return home, as evidenced by the profound impact it has on Henry and his relationship with Lyman in “The Red Convertible.”
• Louise Erdrich utilizes the red convertible as a powerful symbol in “The Red Convertible,” representing the characters’ lost innocence, fading hope, and the enduring strength of their bond.
• “The Red Convertible” explores the limitations of material possessions in achieving happiness, highlighting the importance of emotional connection and resilience in the face of trauma.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

• What is the significance of the red convertible?
• The red convertible symbolizes the carefree life Lyman and Henry shared before the war. It represents freedom, adventure, and their strong bond. Example: “We’d take off in that cherry red Olds, the top down, the wind whipping our hair” (Lyman describing a carefree moment with Henry). After the war, the car becomes a painful reminder of their lost innocence and connection.
• How does the story portray the impact of war on Henry?
• The story portrays a drastic change in Henry after the Vietnam War. He becomes withdrawn, suffers from nightmares, and struggles with anger. Example: “He [Henry] was a stranger staring back at me…clenching and unclenching his fists” (Lyman describing Henry upon his return). This behavior showcases the lasting psychological effects of war.
• What is Lyman’s motivation for damaging the car?
• Lyman damages the car out of desperation, hoping to jolt Henry back to his old self. He believes that fixing the car together might rekindle their bond and offer Henry a sense of purpose. Example: “Maybe if we fixed it up together, piece by piece, we could mend what was broken between us” (Lyman’s internal thoughts about damaging the car).
• What is the ending symbolic of?
• The story ends with Lyman letting the car sink into the river. This symbolizes the loss of hope for Henry’s recovery and the death of their close relationship. It also reflects Lyman’s despair and the permanent loss brought about by the war. Example: “The red convertible, gleaming a terrible, distorted red beneath the water, began to settle onto the riverbed” (the final image of the story).

Literary Works Similar to “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

1. Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
   This novel, also written by Erdrich, explores themes of family, identity, and cultural heritage within the context of Native American life on a North Dakota reservation. Like “The Red Convertible,” it features richly drawn characters and vivid imagery.
2. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
   Set in the aftermath of World War II, this novel follows a Native American veteran struggling to reconcile his experiences in the war with his traditional beliefs and cultural identity. Themes of trauma, healing, and cultural heritage resonate with those found in “The Red Convertible.”
3. “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien
   This collection of interconnected short stories portrays the experiences of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Like “The Red Convertible,” it delves into themes of brotherhood, trauma, and the impact of war on individuals and communities.
4. Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie
   In this novel, a group of Native American musicians forms a blues band on a reservation in Washington state. Through their music and interactions, the characters confront issues of identity, tradition, and the legacy of colonialism, echoing themes explored in “The Red Convertible.”
5. House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday
   This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a Native American man as he struggles to navigate the challenges of modern life while reconnecting with his cultural roots. Themes of alienation, cultural identity, and spiritual awakening resonate with those found in “The Red Convertible.”

Suggested Readings about/on “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

Books:

• Erdrich, Louise. The Red Convertible: Selected and New Stories, 1978-2008. New York: Harper Perennial, 2010. (This collection includes “The Red Convertible” along with other short stories by Erdrich.)
• Erdrich, Louise. Love Medicine. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1984. (This novel, of which “The Red Convertible” is a chapter, explores the lives of several generations of an Ojibwe family on a North Dakota reservation.)
• Erdrich, Louise, and Michael Dorris. Conversations with Louise Erdrich and Michael Dorris. Univ. Press of Mississippi, 1994.
• Stirrup, David. “Louise Erdrich.” Louise Erdrich. Manchester University Press, 2013.

Articles:

• Erdrich, Louise, and J. JAMES IOVANNONE. “” Mix-Ups, Messes, Confinements, and Double-Dealings”: Transgendered Performances in Three Novels by Louise Erdrich.” Studies in American Indian Literatures 21.1 (2009): 38-68.
• Tanrisal, Meldan. “Mother and child relationships in the novels of Louise Erdrich.” American Studies International 35.3 (1997): 67-79.

Websites:

• Louise Erdrich’s Official Website: https://www.louiseerdrich.com/ (This website offers information about Erdrich’s life and work, including resources related to “The Red Convertible”.)
• The Literature Network: The Red Convertible: [invalid URL removed] (This website provides a summary, analysis, and discussion questions for “The Red Convertible”.)
• GradeSaver: The Red Convertible: https://www.gradesaver.com/the-red-convertible (This website offers study guide materials for “The Red Convertible,” including character analysis, plot summaries, and literary elements.)

Representative Quotations from “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich

Quote	Context
“I was the first one to drive a convertible on my reservation. And of course it was red, a red Olds.”	The narrator reminisces about the red convertible car he and his brother, Henry, owned together.
“We went places in that car, me and Henry. We took off driving all one whole summer.”	The narrator recalls the adventurous road trips he and Henry took in the red convertible, exploring various places without worrying much about details.
“That girl was short, so short her lumber shirt looked comical on her, like a nightgown. She had jeans on and fancy moccasins and she carried a little suitcase.”	The narrator describes picking up a girl named Susy during one of their road trips and taking her home to Alaska.
“But he was quiet, so quiet, and never comfortable sitting still anywhere but always up and moving around.”	The narrator notices a significant change in Henry’s behavior after returning from the Vietnam War, becoming quiet and restless.
“I took myself a hammer. I went out to that car and I did a number on its underside. Whacked it up. Bent the tail pipe double. Ripped the muffler loose.”	The narrator intentionally damages the red convertible in an attempt to provoke a reaction from Henry.
“That picture. I never look at it anymore…I got his picture out and tacked it on the wall…I couldn’t stay in the same room with that picture.”	The narrator reflects on his conflicted feelings towards a photograph of Henry, feeling uncomfortable and eventually hiding it away.
“We made ourselves a fire, and we sat down and watched the current go.”	The narrator and Henry spend time by the river, contemplating life and their relationship.
“I put it in first gear and then I take my foot off the clutch. I get out, close the door, and watch it plow softly into the water.”	The narrator lets go of the red convertible, symbolizing the end of their shared experiences with Henry.