The Red Convertible

Overview

• Story by Louise Erdrich
• Narrated by Lyman, who shared ownership of a red Oldsmobile convertible with his brother, Henry Junior.
• Themes of change, family, and the impact of war.

Characters

• Lyman: Narrator, known for his ability to make money.
• Henry Junior: Lyman's brother, who becomes a Marine and is deeply affected by the Vietnam War.

Lyman's Early Success

• Known for making money easily.
• Managed and eventually owned the Joliet Cafe.
• Bought the red Oldsmobile after the cafe was destroyed by a tornado.

The Red Oldsmobile

• Purchased with Henry during a spontaneous trip to Winnipeg.
• Symbol of freedom and brotherhood.
• Used for a summer of carefree traveling across the U.S. and into Canada.

Summer Travels

• Traveled extensively: Little Knife River, Mandaree, Montana, and even Alaska.
• Hosted by Susy and her family in Alaska.
• Experienced a sense of timelessness and natural rhythm.

Henry's Transformation

• Henry enlists in the Marines, goes to Vietnam.
• Returns home three years later, deeply changed by his experiences.
• Exhibits symptoms of PTSD: quiet, restless, uncomfortable.
• Struggles to reconnect with family and community.

Restoring the Car

• While Henry is away, Lyman maintains the car in pristine condition.
• Upon Henry's return, Lyman deliberately damages the car to provoke Henry's interest.
• Henry becomes absorbed in repairing the car, symbolizing his attempt to reclaim his past self.

A Day by the River

• Lyman and Henry take a drive to the Red River, marking a hopeful moment.
• Engage in a physical fight that turns into laughter, suggesting a brief reconnection.
• Henry's mood swings lead to a tragic end as he jumps into the river and drowns.

Conclusion

• Lyman lets the car sink into the river, symbolizing the loss of his brother.
• The story ends with imagery of the river, symbolizing the ongoing flow of life and loss.

Themes

• Brotherhood: The bond between Lyman and Henry and how it is tested by external events.
• Change and Loss: The impact of war on individuals and families.
• Freedom and Confinement: The convertible as a symbol of freedom, contrasted with Henry's confinement within his trauma.

This story captures the struggles of returning veterans, the importance of family, and the symbolism of the red convertible in the brothers' relationship.