There There​
Tommy Orange
Synopsis
"There There" by Tommy Orange follows a cast of Native American characters living in Oakland, California, all drawn towards the same event: the Big Oakland Powwow.
Each chapter dives into the life of a different character, exploring their struggles with identity, addiction, historical trauma, and the complexities of being an urban Native American. Some, like Tony Loneman, grapple with the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome. Others, like Dene Oxendene, are artists trying to reconnect with their heritage. The story builds towards the powwow, a celebration of culture, but also a potential site of violence as a robbery is threatened.
Lessons and Themes
Belonging
1. Cultural vs. Personal Identity: How do the characters grapple with defining their identity as both individuals and members of a larger Native American community?
2. The Challenge of Authenticity: The book explores the pressure some characters feel to prove their "nativeness." Discuss how societal expectations and historical erasure complicate identity formation.
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3. Displacement and Belonging: The title itself references a sense of placelessness. How do the characters navigate being Native American in an urban environment?
Point of View and Narrative Voice
1. The novel utilizes multiple narrators with distinct voices. Compare and contrast the narration styles of two characters. How does their perspective shape the way they tell their story?
2. The prologue and interlude use a collective "we" voice. What is the purpose of this voice? How does it differ from the individual character narrations?
3. Identify instances where characters contradict each other's accounts of the same events. How does this narrative technique contribute to the overall story?
Assignment Ideas
Chapter Rewrite:
Choose a chapter and rewrite it from the perspective of a different character. How would their perspective change the events and reveal new insights?
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Modern Challenges Panel:
Organize a panel discussion where students take on the roles of characters and address the challenges faced by Native Americans in contemporary society.