The Native American Culture in "The Red Convertible"
             In the short story "The Red Convertible," by Louise Erdrich, the author, contrasts the old way of life versus the new. Erdrich does this through metaphorical symbols: the color red, convertible, summer trip, and the "fancy" dance Henry performs before his death (Erdrich p. 468).
             In the story, the color red symbolizes many things. The convertible is red. Lyman also said his brother, "had a nose big and sharp as a hatchet, like the nose on Red Tomahawk" (Erdrich p. 467). Also when the brothers took their final journey Lyman says, "We started off east, toward Pembina and the Red River" (Erdrich p. 467). The color red, in this story, represents Henry's will to be free. The convertible appears in a bright red because, while driving the car, Henry feels trapped by the white man's war (Erdrich p. 467). By returning to the "Red River" Henry regains his spiritual freedom. According to The American Heritage book of Indians, the "Red Sticks" were and "anti-American faction" that fought to keep the white man out, and their heritage strong (p. 221). With this information, the "Red Sticks," and the color red, represented in the story can be linked in their feelings with "anti-Americanism" (The American Heritage book of Indians p. 221).
             Lyman says, "He said he wanted to give the car to me for good now, it was no use" (Erdrich p. 468). By Henry giving Lyman the red convertible, he is foreshadowing his death. In the Chippawa culture gifts are given to the family of the deceased (The Chippawas of Lake Superior p. 16). A "remnant of the deceased" was kept, "wrapped in birch bark," this "spirit bundle" was then kept for a year and later given to the family (The Chippawas of Lake Superior p. 16). Lyman knows that Henry is preparing him for Henry's death by giving him the car. Lyman states, "No way. I don't want it," referring to the car (Erdrich p. 468). Lyman refuses this gift ...