Two Brothers and a Classic Red Oldsmobile

In Louise Erdich's realistic story "The Red Convertible," the narrator is Lyman Lamartine, younger brother of Henry ( Junior), the protagonist. Lyman describes his memory of the relationship between Henry, himself, and a red Olds convertible they purchased together on a whim.

As the yarn unfolds, so does the evidence that Henry's spirit is breaking, never to return to the days of carefree life with Lyman by his side. After Henry enters the military and becomes a prisoner of war, the effect on his character is quite profound.

For instance, Henry used to be calm, but now he is restless. Lyman remembers the times when Henry "sat for whole afternoons, never moving a muscle" (936). Of course, anyone who enters the military and experiences combat will not remain calm, but Henry must have really seen a lot of horror because "the change was no good" (936). Henry's unusual moods disturb Lyman, upsetting his emotions. This brother does not seem much like the one that used to spend quality time with him, calm and carefree, sharing the red Olds. "It was a fact. Henry had become jumpy and mean" (936).

Another example of the change in Henry is in his sense of humor and laughter. Lyman recalls happier times when Henry was full of fun and cheer. "He'd always had a joke, then too, and now you could not get him to laugh" (936). Lyman admires his brother's wittiness, yearning for the good times they used to have together, such as the time Henry said, "Jump on my shoulders" (935), to Suzy, a friend of theirs. When she does jump on him, she swings her long hair from side to side as Henry "started twirling this way and that so that her hair flung from side to side" (935). Lyman sees humor in "the way he did it" (935).

Henry is no longer a playful man, though, and Lyman wishes he could change this about his brother. When Henry does make any attempt at laughter, he does it "more like the sound of a man choking, a sound that stopped up throats of other people around him." (935). Henry's ability to clown around is lost.

Likewise, Henry's appalling experience in the army makes him overreact to stimuli. Lyman buys a colored television while Henry is away and he "was sorry I ever bought it though because of Henry" (936). Henry sat watching the set "and that was the only time he was completely still. But it was the kind of stillness that you see in a rabbit when it freezes and before it will bolt" (936).

Lyman tells how his victimized brother struggles to keep himself in the chair without responding to what his mind must be filled with when he watches colorful action on the screen. While he is viewing the set, Henry bites through his lip, making it bleed. Lyman reacts to this and gets enraged, wanting to smash the television and he walks over to it, but Henry stops him by shoving him aside. "I told myself he didn't know what he was doing" (936). These behaviors are not characteristic of the Henry whom Lyman knew prior to his leaving for the service.

Next, Henry ignores the meaningful symbol that ties himself and Lyman together the most. The way that Henry is totally oblivious toward the red Olds that Lyman has kept up so well while Henry is away really stumps Lyman, making him feel powerless about helping his brother.The brother he once knew is gone. Lyman hopes that "the car might bring the old Henry back somehow" (937).

Disappointed, Lyman ruins the red Olds by destroying the car as much as the ruptured bond that is symbolizes. It takes Henry over a month to notice the car, and when he does find it, he tells Lyman "that car looks like shit" (937). Henry proceeds to busy himself with the vehicle, working on it in the cold weather.He seems to be "better than he had been before, but that's still not saying much "(937).

Moreover, Henry restores the car to superior condition which gives his brother new hope that they would be together as before, especially when Henry tells Lyman "Let's take that old shit box for a spin"(938). Later, Bonita, Lyman and Henry's only sister, takes a picture of her brothers standing in front of the red Olds. This will be the very last photo of them and the token of their brotherly love: the red Olds.

Unfortunately, Henry is aware of the incurable tragedy that is taking place within him.This point is made when Henry and Lyman make a trip to "the Red River because Henry said he wanted to see the high water" (938). As the two brothers sat watching a fire that they had built by the water, Lyman begins to feel strange and abruptly shakes Henry, telling him to "wake up, wake up, wake up!" (939) The true silence between the brothers ends as Henry finally breaks down. "I know it, he says. I know it. I can't help it. It's no use" (939).

Henry reveals to Lyman that he knew the car "had been whacked out of shape and not just neglected" (939). He tells Lyman that he fixed the car up again to give back to him to keep indefinitely. One shove leads to another as they wind up in a heated brawl. Henry seems to be out of touch with reality, but he and Lyman are drinking beer, so their intoxication mingles with their emotions, letting them cross between play and harshness.

Wanting to cool himself off, both physically and mentally, Henry "runs over to the river and jumps in" (940). The swift current pulls him "halfway across the water" (940). Lyman jumps in to rescue his brother from drowning, but is unsuccessful in saving his sanity or his brother's soul. Lyman goes to the red Olds, drives it into the river and watches the car "plow softly into the water" (940). He loses his brother and the very essence of their life together as he watches the vehicle for the last time.

In conclusion, this tale of true to life events leaves the reader with a feeling of deep sadness as well as the inspiration to question one's own relationship with loved ones.This story makes one wonder about judging those who are powerless over their internal suffering. The story also initiates empathy and compassion for those who have fought for their country. The murdering of many a soldier's soul takes place every day somewhere in the world in which we live.

Work Cited

Erdrich, Louise."The Red Convertible." Literature:Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama.
Ed. Robert Di Yanni.Compact Edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2000. 935-940.

This book review was done under the title of "Abrogated Hero, " and earned an A grade. ;-)`
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