Essay: Reading Analysis
Kingmatt
EssayTwoOutline.docxMahdi Pournazari
9/28/20
Thesis: In the story, The Red Convertible by Louis Erdrich, Lyman’s attempt to restore his relationship with his brother fails but can find closure at the end by letting go the convertible (a symbol for their relationship).
I. Lyman struggle to get the old Henry back is a central character trait.
a. ” When he came home though, Henry was different, and I'll say this: the change was no good.”
b. “I thought back to times we’d sat still for whole afternoons, never moving a muscle, just shifting our weight along the ground, talking to whoever sat with us, watching things.”
c. “I thought the car might bring the old Henry back somehow.”
II. Although it seems as if Henry will never go back to his old self, Lyman still thinks there’s a chance he can change him
a. “Bent the tail pipe double. Ripped the muffler loose.”
b. “After that day I thought he’d freeze himself to death working on that car.”
c. “Just the way he said it made me think he was coming around.”
III. Eventually, Lyman experiences a tragic loss, but ends up finding closure.
a. “I get out, close the door, and watch it plow softly into the water.”
b. “And then there is only the water, the sound of it going and running and going and running and running.”
