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What is the claim in "The Red Convertible" by Louise Erdrich?

Erdrich makes a number of claims and statements in this story. There is the theme of brotherhood in general, but this story particularly shows how American/European influence puts strains on Native American culture, family life, and that same brotherhood. Lyman and Henry bond over the red convertible. The car is an American symbol. Their trip to Alaska brings them together and the experience is more particular to their Native American heritage. In Alaska, with constant daylight, they experience something more like a dream, away from mainstream modern American life. With the convertible and this trip, they get a sense of both American and Native life. But this appealing blending of cultures is short-lived.


Henry is drafted (forced to fight) in the Vietnam War. Consider this from his perspective. He is made to fight a war that has nothing to do with his heritage. Needless to say, Vietnam was never a real threat to America itself. It was a political war based on ideological differences. So, Henry is jaded about this and his experience has left him with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). He is never able to get over this and it results in his suicide. So, Erdrich also illustrates the casualties and effects of war. In this particular story, she shows the complexities of multiculturalism and the way that war experience affects a Native American man.

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