The Red Convertible

In the Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich, the main character Henry misplaces his contain on reality. The story takes location in North Dakota on an Indian Reservation where Henry lives with his male sibling Lyman. Henry and Lyman purchase a Red Convertible that later in the article shows Henry's need of proficiency to stay sane. The male siblings take a summer trip across the United States in the car. When they come back, Henry is called to connect the army, which turns out to be the transitional point in Henry and Lyman's individual life. The Vietnam War altered Henry's look, psyche, and his feelings about the Red Convertible.

Before the Vietnam War, Henry's look was beaming and energetic. Henry enjoyed the time he had with Lyman, working on the Red Convertible, and traveling across the U.S. during the summer. They went from Little blade stream to Alaska without a worry in the world. Henry was talkative and friendly to even strangers. For example, when they pass a woman on the side of the road Henry says, “Hop on in”, indicating his friendliness and confidence (975). Henry's appearance before war suggests that his life was complete.

However, after war, Henry's appearance was one of depression and dishevelment. When Henry returned Lyman said “[he] was very different, and I'll say this: the change was no good (977).” Henry was 180? different than he was before the war. “He was quiet, so quiet…,” said Lyman, not talkative and cheerful like he was before (977). Henry and Lyman had went on a long trip in the Red Convertible before the war, but now Henry is “never comfortable sitting still anywhere (977).” They used to sit around the whole afternoon before, but now Henry is always moving or sitting by himself, watching television. He was described by Lyman as being like “a rabbit when it freezes and before it will bolt” when he would sit in front of the television by himself (977). Every aspect of Henry's appearance was totally different after the war.

Henry's mental state also differed before and after the Vietnam War. Henry thought clearly and acted sane before war. When he put his mind to something he accomplished it. Henry interacted well because of his knowledge of cars. Lyman says, “He was always out with that car” describing the knowledge that Henry had about the car to fix it from the bad condition ...