The Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich Summary

“The Red Convertible” is a powerful short story written by Louise Erdrich, a talented Native American author. This tale explores the complex relationship between two brothers, Lyman and Henry Junior, and how their lives are affected by the Vietnam War. Through the symbolism of a red Oldsmobile convertible, Erdrich weaves a touching narrative about family, trauma, and the lasting impacts of war on individuals and communities.

About the Author

Louise Erdrich is a well-known American author with Ojibwe Native American heritage. Born in 1954 in Minnesota, Erdrich has made a significant impact on contemporary literature with her unique storytelling style and exploration of Native American themes. Her works often delve into the complexities of family relationships, cultural identity, and the struggles faced by Native American communities.

Erdrich’s writing is known for its rich character development, vivid descriptions, and ability to blend humor with poignant moments. “The Red Convertible” is just one example of her masterful storytelling, which has earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around two Chippewa brothers, Lyman Lamartine and Henry Junior. Let’s break down the key events in the plot:

1. The brothers buy a red Oldsmobile convertible together, symbolizing their close relationship and carefree youth.
2. They embark on a road trip across the United States and Canada, enjoying their freedom and strengthening their bond.
3. Henry is drafted into the Vietnam War, leaving Lyman behind to take care of the car.
4. While Henry is away, Lyman maintains the car meticulously, hoping for his brother’s safe return.
5. When Henry comes back from the war, he is a changed man, suffering from what we now recognize as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
6. Lyman deliberately damages the car, hoping it will give Henry a project to work on and help him recover.
7. Henry fixes the car but remains psychologically troubled.
8. The brothers take one last drive to the Red River, where Henry drowns, leaving Lyman to push the car into the river as a final gesture.

This simple plot summary belies the depth of emotion and symbolism present in the story. Erdrich uses the red convertible as a powerful metaphor for the brothers’ relationship and the impact of war on their lives.

Main Characters

Lyman Lamartine

Lyman is the narrator of the story and Henry’s younger brother. He is characterized by his:

• Entrepreneurial spirit: Lyman has a knack for making money and is successful in his business ventures from a young age.
• Loyalty: He is deeply devoted to his brother Henry and tries his best to help him after the war.
• Optimism: Lyman maintains hope for Henry’s recovery, even in the face of significant challenges.
• Sensitivity: He is acutely aware of the changes in Henry and struggles to cope with his brother’s transformation.

Example: Lyman’s entrepreneurial nature is evident when he mentions, “I was the first one to drive a convertible on my reservation. And of course it was red, a red Olds.”

Henry Junior

Henry is Lyman’s older brother and a Vietnam War veteran. His character is defined by:

• Carefree nature (pre-war): Before the war, Henry is described as easy-going and fun-loving.
• Trauma (post-war): After returning from Vietnam, Henry struggles with PTSD, becoming withdrawn and prone to outbursts.
• Complexity: Henry’s character showcases the profound impact of war on an individual’s psyche and relationships.
• Tragic fate: Unable to fully recover from his war experiences, Henry ultimately meets a tragic end.

Example: The change in Henry is stark when Lyman describes him after the war: “When he came home, though, Henry was very different, and I’ll say this: the change was no good.”

Themes

The Impact of War

One of the central themes in “The Red Convertible” is the devastating impact of war on individuals and their families. Through Henry’s transformation, Erdrich illustrates how combat experiences can fundamentally alter a person’s character and ability to function in civilian life.

Example: Henry’s behavior after returning from Vietnam, such as his inability to sit still and his tendency to stare blankly at the television, showcases the psychological toll of war.

Brotherhood and Family Bonds

The story deeply explores the relationship between Lyman and Henry, highlighting the strength of family bonds even in the face of tremendous challenges. Lyman’s unwavering support for Henry, even when he doesn’t understand his brother’s struggles, demonstrates the power of familial love.

Example: Lyman’s decision to damage the car in hopes of giving Henry a project to focus on shows the lengths he’s willing to go to help his brother.

Native American Identity

While not explicitly at the forefront of the story, the brothers’ Native American heritage plays a significant role in shaping their experiences and perspectives. Erdrich subtly weaves elements of Chippewa culture into the narrative, providing a unique lens through which to view the characters’ journey.

Example: The brothers’ road trip, which takes them to Alaska where they dance with an Alaskan girl, showcases their connection to indigenous cultures beyond their own community.

Loss of Innocence

The story traces the brothers’ journey from carefree youth to the harsh realities of adulthood. The red convertible serves as a symbol of their innocence and the freedom of their younger days, which is ultimately lost due to the war’s impact.

Example: The final scene where Lyman pushes the car into the river symbolizes the end of their youthful innocence and the irreversible changes brought about by Henry’s war experiences.

Symbolism

The Red Convertible

The red Oldsmobile convertible is the central symbol in the story, representing:

1. Freedom and youth: Initially, the car embodies the brothers’ carefree spirit and the open road ahead of them.
2. Brotherhood: The joint ownership of the car symbolizes the strong bond between Lyman and Henry.
3. Henry’s mental state: The condition of the car often mirrors Henry’s psychological well-being throughout the story.
4. American dream and materialism: The car represents the allure of material possessions and the idea of the American dream.
5. Sacrifice: In the end, the car’s fate parallels Henry’s tragic demise, symbolizing the sacrifices made during wartime.

Example: When Lyman damages the car, hoping Henry will fix it, he’s symbolically trying to “fix” his brother’s mental state.

The River

The river in the story holds significant symbolic value:

1. Life and death: Rivers often symbolize the flow of life, but in this story, it also becomes the site of Henry’s death.
2. Cleansing and renewal: The river can be seen as a place of cleansing, possibly representing Henry’s desire to wash away his traumatic experiences.
3. Natural world: The river represents the natural world, contrasting with the man-made machines of war that have so deeply affected Henry.
4. Cultural significance: For many Native American cultures, rivers hold spiritual importance, adding another layer of meaning to this symbol.

Example: The final scene at the river, where Henry says, “My boots are filling,” can be interpreted as his acceptance of his fate and his inability to continue living with his trauma.

Narrative Technique

Erdrich employs several effective narrative techniques in “The Red Convertible”:

First-Person Narration

The story is told from Lyman’s perspective, allowing readers to experience events through his eyes. This technique creates a personal and emotional connection to the story, as we see Henry’s transformation and its impact on their relationship from Lyman’s point of view.

Example: Lyman’s narration gives us insights into his thoughts and feelings, such as when he says, “We owned it together until his boots filled with water on a windy night and he bought out my share.”

Flashbacks

The story is not told in a strictly linear fashion. Erdrich uses flashbacks to provide background information and contrast the brothers’ lives before and after the war.

Example: The narration jumps from the present to the past when Lyman recalls buying the car and the road trip they took before Henry went to war.

Imagery and Descriptive Language

Erdrich’s writing is rich in vivid imagery and descriptive language, bringing the story’s settings and emotions to life.

Example: The description of the car when they first buy it is particularly evocative: “There it was, parked, large as life. Really as if it was alive. I thought of the word ‘repose,’ because the car wasn’t simply stopped, parked, or whatever. That car reposed, calm and gleaming, a for-sale sign in its left front window.”

Symbolism and Metaphor

As discussed earlier, Erdrich makes extensive use of symbolism and metaphor, particularly through the red convertible, to convey deeper meanings and emotions.

Example: The car’s changing condition throughout the story serves as a metaphor for the brothers’ relationship and Henry’s mental state.

Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding the historical and cultural context of “The Red Convertible” enhances our appreciation of the story:

Vietnam War

The story is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War (1955-1975), a conflict that had a profound impact on American society and particularly on the young men who were drafted to fight.

• The draft: Many young men, like Henry, were conscripted into military service.
• PTSD: The story depicts the psychological effects of war, which we now recognize as PTSD, a condition that was not well understood at the time.
• Societal impact: The war caused significant social upheaval and changed the lives of many American families.

Example: Henry’s drastic personality change after returning from Vietnam reflects the experiences of many real-life veterans who struggled to reintegrate into civilian life.

Native American Experience

The story offers a glimpse into Native American life in the mid-20th century:

• Reservation life: The brothers live on a reservation, which informs their experiences and perspectives.
• Cultural identity: While not explicitly discussed, the characters’ Chippewa heritage is an important part of their identity.
• Historical context: The story touches on the complex relationship between Native Americans and the broader American society, including their participation in the U.S. military.

Example: The brothers’ road trip, which takes them to Alaska and involves dancing with an Alaskan girl, showcases their connection to and curiosity about other indigenous cultures.

Writing Style and Language

Erdrich’s writing style in “The Red Convertible” is characterized by:

Simplicity and Clarity

The language used is straightforward and accessible, reflecting Lyman’s voice as a young man telling his story.

Example: “I was the first one to drive a convertible on my reservation. And of course it was red, a red Olds.”

Rich Imagery

Despite the simple language, Erdrich creates vivid images that bring the story to life.

Example: “The car reposed, calm and gleaming, a for-sale sign in its left front window.”

Emotional Depth

The writing conveys deep emotions without becoming melodramatic, allowing readers to connect with the characters’ experiences.

Example: “We owned it together until his boots filled with water on a windy night and he bought out my share.”

Subtle Humor

Erdrich incorporates moments of subtle humor, particularly in Lyman’s narration, which provides a contrast to the story’s heavier themes.

Example: Lyman’s description of his business success at a young age has a touch of humorous boastfulness.

Character Development

The character development in “The Red Convertible” is crucial to the story’s impact:

Lyman’s Growth

Lyman begins the story as a somewhat carefree, entrepreneurial young man. As the story progresses, we see him mature as he grapples with his brother’s trauma and tries to find ways to help him.

Example: Lyman’s decision to damage the car in an attempt to help Henry shows his growth and willingness to sacrifice for his brother.

Henry’s Transformation

Henry’s character undergoes the most dramatic change. We see him transition from a fun-loving, easy-going young man to a traumatized war veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life.

Example: The contrast between Henry’s behavior during the pre-war road trip and his post-war demeanor starkly illustrates this transformation.

Significance and Impact

“The Red Convertible” has made a lasting impact on American literature for several reasons:

1. Portrayal of PTSD: The story offers a poignant depiction of PTSD before the condition was widely recognized or understood.
2. Native American perspective: Erdrich provides insight into the Native American experience, particularly in relation to the Vietnam War.
3. Exploration of brotherhood: The story’s depiction of the bond between brothers resonates with many readers.
4. Symbolic depth: The use of the red convertible as a central symbol adds layers of meaning to the narrative.
5. Historical significance: The story captures a pivotal moment in American history, offering a personal perspective on the far-reaching impacts of the Vietnam War.

Example: The story’s enduring popularity in literature classes and anthologies speaks to its significance and the universal themes it explores.

Critical Reception

“The Red Convertible” has been widely praised by literary critics and scholars:

• Many have commented on Erdrich’s skillful use of symbolism and her ability to address complex themes in an accessible manner.
• The story’s exploration of the Vietnam War’s impact on Native American communities has been particularly noted for its unique perspective.
• Critics have also praised Erdrich’s character development, especially her portrayal of the brothers’ relationship.

Example: Literary scholar Catherine Rainwater has noted how Erdrich’s use of the car as a symbol “functions as an index to the brothers’ relationship and to Henry’s psychological deterioration.”

Related Articles

The Red Convertible Summary & Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is the main theme of “The Red Convertible”? A: The main themes include the impact of war on individuals and families, the bond between brothers, and the loss of innocence.
2. Q: Why is the convertible red? A: The red color symbolizes vitality, youth, and passion. It also makes the car stand out, much like the brothers’ relationship.
3. Q: What does the river symbolize in the story? A: The river symbolizes life and death, renewal, and the natural world. It also holds cultural significance in many Native American traditions.
4. Q: How does Erdrich portray PTSD in the story? A: Through Henry’s behavior after returning from war, including his restlessness, silence, and emotional distance.
5. Q: What is the significance of Lyman damaging the car? A: Lyman damages the car hoping that fixing it will give Henry a project to focus on and help him recover from his trauma.
6. Q: How does the story end? A: The story ends with Henry drowning in the river and Lyman pushing the car into the water as a final gesture.
7. Q: What role does the brothers’ Native American heritage play in the story? A: While not explicitly foregrounded, their Chippewa heritage informs their experiences and perspectives throughout the narrative.
8. Q: Why is the story told from Lyman’s perspective? A: Lyman’s perspective allows readers to observe Henry’s transformation and understand the impact of war on families and communities.
9. Q: What is the significance of the brothers’ road trip? A: The road trip represents their youthful freedom and close bond before the war changes everything.
10. Q: How does Erdrich use symbolism in the story? A: Erdrich uses the red convertible as a central symbol, representing the brothers’ relationship, Henry’s mental state, and the American dream.