Analysis of Sherman Alexie's The Powwow at the End of the World - Book Report/Review Example

The person making the case in the poem is one of Alexie's most memorable literary characters – that one who labored to keep his readers contained in rapt and stupefied attention. The first lines of the poem trap the unassuming reader as they broached the idea of something wrong done to the character, an issue so grievous that many sought to make amends. The fundamental point, which will be repeated in an increasing degree, is Alexie's insistence that such forgiveness will not be given. This is where he found a use for the poetic devices best.

As he pondered whether to forgive, he described why forgiveness is not forthcoming. Can an Indian woman or her shoulders topple Grand Coulee Dam? The rejection came with this question. In succeeding lines, condition after the condition was outlined, which came in the form of extreme hyperbole in order to explain and describe the utter impossibility of the idea of forgiveness. In his most forceful use of this device, Alexie declared: “I am told by many of you that I must forgive and so I shall after the floodwaters find their way to the mouth of the Columbia River as it enters the Pacific and causes all of it to rise.

" The passion involved was captured by the eloquence of this adynaton. This is also a ofvery effective form of poetic imagery. By citing the sheer impossibility of the conditions outlined, he was evoking a strong conception of his denial. The rhythm of the poetry also played an important part. Alexie structured this particular poem in an uninterrupted flow. This is typical of his style, which some brand as too hurried and impatient. It is even likely that people would have trouble differentiating it from Alexis' stories because there is some prose-like quality to it.

But this is the beauty of Alexie's style. According to Gillan's the manic pace is what makes Alexie's poetry wondrous, as he is always aware that the average Indian male dies at fifty, so he seems determined to fashion poetry from his experiences while he can (p.92).