Stereotype in Thomas King's A Seat in the Garden - Literature Essay Sample

From the onset of the story, the author tries to bring into light the perception of the major character. The story begins with Joe working on his farm when a big Indian approaches him and repeats the phrase, if you build it, they will come(King, 284). In a move to get rid of this Indian, Joe tries several choices of action. Firstly, he fights alone, then together with his friend, Red. They even call police officers to help them chase the Indian. As an alternative, Red proposes that they enquire about this Indians character from other three Indians who pass near Joes residence. In the end, the three Indians invited advice Joe and Red to build a seat at the center of the garden. Joe and Red do so, and the story comes to an end culminating stereotype as the major theme of the story.

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How Setting Corresponds to Stereotype Theme

The setting of the narration perfectly suits authors objective. The garden that Joe is working on is mixed with a variety of vegetables. The setting probably reminiscence confusion in the characters head. He doesnt seem to have another idea to approach the Indian rather that using shovel and insults. Joe is prepared to go to war with the Indian. His actions present the reader with the effect of the stereotype that big Indians are fighters. Consequentially, Joe tries to apply forceful eviction on the trespasser. He even calls the police to help when things don't seem to work out.

Secondly, the fact that Joe owns the land and the three Indians who pass by every day doesnt, shows that he together with Red are natives. The Indians are foreigners. Through this, the author tries to apply the geographical setting to depict how nationals of their nations perceive immigrants. The assertion is confirmed when they plan to meet three Indians for assistance. Joe expects them to be dirty and drunkards. However, on meeting them, he realizes that they dont even take alcohol. To his surprise, they are friendlier than he is thinking. Joe advice Red, grab a couple of beers, so they know we're friendly" (King, 287).

The plot of the scenes describes the third aspect of authors setting. All actions take place in Joe's place. Probably, the author intends to symbolize the backward perception and thinking of the two characters. Their life is pegged on one area. Red asks Joe whether he has ever seen the Indian in the movie. Joe affirms not to have watched such films. The aim is to explicate how Joes world is limited to his thinking. He doesnt know what is happening outside the world. In a move to hyperbolize characters decision to perceive Indians as undesirable people, the author ends the story with both Joe and Red following Indians advice.

How choice of Characters Corresponds to Stereotype Theme

Thomas King has employed character behavior in stating the stereotyping theme. Evidently, the characters in the story represent how personal projection affects intercultural exchanges. Since the onset, Joe is seen trying to remain aloof of the large world. The characters' decisions and actions only affirm this assertion. To keep away the Indian from disturbing Joe shout at him. Unfortunately, this Indian doesnt seem to leave the corn. Joe goes picks a shovel to fight back only to realize the trespasser has left. That afternoon, Red joins him, and in the heat of conversation, Joe expresses his predicaments. As they talk, they spot the Indian in the garden again, still standing in the corn fields. To his disbelief, Red believes to have met the disturber. And there was an air about the man that made Red believe believe with all his heart that he had met this Indian before(King, 285).

Secondly, the central misconception of the characters is evident when Joe and Red make a negative judgment. Red uses the backing of the media to support the view that Indians are stubborn. From the description of the context, the Indian is likened to film happenings. Typically, movies are the primary source of propaganda. Incidents in the movies act as the central basis of characters projection. The big Indian was naked to the waist. His hair was braided and wrapped with white ermine and strips of red cloth. He wore a single feather held in place by a leather band stretched around his head. His arms were folded tightly across his chest" (King, 284).

Lastly, the author uses characters to formalize the general view of central problem and misconception created by cultural stereotypes. As the reader goes on, it becomes evident that Joe and Red are hallucinating. Regardless of this fact, they are the ones who point out mistakes and wish to give directions as well as make judgments. The culture of stereotype has had negative ramifications since the time in memorial. The phrase repeated by the big Indian are borrowed from W.P Kinsella in his story, Shoeless Joe. In this story, Kinsella is criticized for stealing stories, an allegation that lacks basis leading to antagonism. In the same manner, Joe and Red are held hostage by their thinking. Imaginations and prejudice results into their hallucination and societal segregation.

To sum up, the story introduces to a personal point of view on Indians. Joe and Red have mental perceptions that bar them from the general society. In conclusion, the author intends to derive the overall advice that stereotypes exist, but they shouldnt alienate nationals. Evidently, they are based on societal misconceptions and take the central stage in creating a barrier between individuals.