The Cage Of Poverty

English 76

Mr. Rossiter

2. On what does Junior blame their poverty? Refer back to the explanation of his parents.

3.  Why does Junior say “it sucks to be poor…” (13)? What does “poverty teach you”?

To Arnold, being poor is like a cage in which has surrounded his family for as long as he and his ancestors have known. Growing up on the Reservation, the opportunities for success are minimal for him just like they were for his ancestors and their dream of leaving poverty and the rez behind. While Arnold is going on a rant about how it sucks to be poor he says, “And because you’re Indian you believe you are destined to be poor” (13). This relates to him and his parents because they have minimal chances to find good work and live without the struggle of poverty. Living on the Reservation is the reason for this grim reality because ever since the start of the reservations, work just isn’t high paying and the quality of education is low. Arnold references how his parents could be very successful, but only if they had the opportunities to flourish such as higher education. Arnold is especially annoyed on how it seems there is no way out of the “rez” and he feels it “sucks” mainly because it is unfair. Poverty has taught him to feel at home with people of his own kind and outsiders of the surrounding world. Now, Arnold must find a way to leave this cage of poverty and escape into opportunity and wealth.