Essay about Sherman Alexie's "What You Pawn, I Will Redeem," on whether Jackson is a Victim or Creator. My 1st College Essay!

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Jonathan Davila
Professor Dougherty
English 67
15 July 2010
The Cost of Love
People are faced with problems everyday in their lives, but it is how
we confront those problems that matter. In Sherman Alexie’s “What You
Pawn, I Will Redeem,” Jackson is a Creator because he steps up to the
challenge of retrieving his grandmother’s regalia on his own without the help
from anyone. Throughout the story, Jackson is confronted with many
problems including the need for money which would help him regain his
grandmother’s regalia.
When Jackson is confronted by the Big Boss at Real Change, Jackson
explains the situation regarding his grandmother’s pow-wow regalia and how
much money he would need in order to get it back. The Big Boss tells Jackson
to call the police, but Jackson replies by saying, “It’s a quest now. I need to
win it back by myself” (Alexie 168). Although Jackson does not seek help
from the police, he shows that he is determined to win it back on his own. His
determination towards retrieving his grandmother’s regalia shows us that he is
truly a Creator.
When Jackson enters the detox center, he speaks to Officer Williams
about his situation regarding his grandmother’s regalia and explains that he is
willing to take personal responsibility to find it. Officer Williams offers to

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help Jackson by investigating the situation legally, but Jackson responds by
saying, “I’m on a mission here. I want to be a hero, you know? I want to win
it back, like a knight”(Alexie 176). Although Officer Williams is not fully
aware of the situation, he offers to help Jackson, but Jackson is determined to
retrieve the regalia on his own. Jackson’s actions are important because by
solving this problem, he is able to show responsibility and dedication in what
he cares about the most.
Throughout the story, Jackson manages to find ways of retrieving the
stolen regalia with little money and without any help from the police. His
dedication towards buying back his grandmother’s regalia shows that he is a
Creator. This story teaches us that when we are faced with a problem we
should take action by finding ways of solving it ourselves. Jackson teaches us
that anything is possible no matter how difficult the challenge may be.
382 Words