The Native American Culture in "The Red Convertible" In the short story "The Red Convertible," by Louise Erdrich, the author, contrasts the old way of life versus the new. Erdrich does this through metaphorical symbols: the color red, convertible, summer trip, and the "fancy" dance Henry performs before his death (Erdrich p. 468). In the story, the color red symbolizes many things. The convertible is red. Lyman also said his brother, "had a nose big and …
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…Henry couldn't accept the changes that were occurring around him, therefore he took his own life. Symbolically, the author, Louise Erdrich uses the culture of the old Native Americans to explain the actions demonstrated by the characters in the story. The convertible can be looked at as a charm to help the sick. The nomadic lifestyle is demonstrated by the trips taken by the brothers. Also Henry's dance symbolizes the fighting of the American soldiers.