Images of Jesus and Redemption in the Work of Sherman Alexi

Sherman Alexie utilizes his writing as a platform to bring attention to the religious, tribal and socio-political oppression that Native Americans have been battling for centuries. Instead of succumbing to the dominant culture and accepting marginalization, the characters in Alexie's literary landscapes alter these forces through communal healing. Alexie uses Catholic practices and portions of biblical scripture, primarily the nature and healing ministry of Jesus, to achieve salvation and restore what Native Americans have lost. This thesis conducts a literary analysis on Alexie's texts, and identifies how his characters embody redemptive attributes that are directly related to the person of Jesus. The liberation and redemption that Jesus symbolizes allows for Native American life and identity to be regenerated, which in turn, deconstructs stereotypes and demonstrates that hope is possible.