The False Teeth of the Other Characters

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 79 views

Understanding the Symbolism of Thomas in "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona"

In the novel "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" by Louis Erdrich, the character of Thomas White Bird is a symbol of authenticity and truth. The author uses Thomas as a foil to the other characters in the story, highlighting the themes of identity, community, and the struggle to maintain one's cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. In this article, we will explore how Thomas is like "a dentist in a town where everybody has false teeth," and what this symbolism reveals about the character and the novel as a whole.

The phrase "a dentist in a town where everybody has false teeth" is a metaphor that suggests Thomas is the only one who is genuine and authentic in a world where everyone else is pretending to be something they're not. This symbolism is rooted in the idea that Thomas is a Native American who has maintained his cultural identity and traditions, while the other characters in the story have assimilated into white culture.

Thomas's Authenticity

Thomas's authenticity is evident in his connection to his Native American heritage. He is a proud member of the Ojibwe tribe and has maintained his cultural traditions, including his language and customs. In contrast, the other characters in the story have abandoned their cultural heritage and adopted white culture. For example, Cadi, the protagonist, has abandoned his Native American name and taken on a white name, and he has also abandoned his traditional clothing and customs.

The False Teeth of the Other Characters

The "false teeth" of the other characters in the story refer to their artificial and superficial attempts to fit in with white culture. They have abandoned their cultural heritage and adopted white customs and traditions, but they do so in a way that is superficial and insincere. For example, Cadi's father has abandoned his Native American name and taken on a white name, but he still speaks in a stereotypical Native American accent and uses Native American slang.

Thomas's Bicycle

The fact that Thomas's bicycle was stolen when he was ten years old is a significant detail in the story. It suggests that Thomas is the only one who is vulnerable and open to exploitation, while the other characters in the story are more protected and secure. This vulnerability is a key aspect of Thomas's authenticity, as he is willing to take risks and face challenges head-on, rather than trying to fit in with the crowd.

Thomas as a Gymnast

The fact that Thomas is a gymnast is also significant in the story. Gymnastics is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, and agility, all of which are qualities that Thomas possesses in abundance. However, gymnastics is also a sport that requires a high level of discipline and focus, which are qualities that Thomas also possesses. This suggests that Thomas is a highly disciplined and focused individual, who is able to navigate the challenges of the world with ease.

In conclusion, Thomas in "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" is like "a dentist in a town where everybody has false teeth" because he is the only one who is genuine and authentic in a world where everyone else is pretending to be something they're not. His connection to his Native American heritage, his vulnerability, and his discipline and focus all contribute to his authenticity, and make him a symbol of truth and integrity in the story. The novel highlights the importance of maintaining one's cultural heritage and traditions, and the dangers of assimilation and cultural appropriation.
Q&A: Understanding the Symbolism of Thomas in "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona"

In our previous article, we explored the symbolism of Thomas in "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" by Louis Erdrich. Thomas is a complex and multifaceted character who serves as a foil to the other characters in the story, highlighting the themes of identity, community, and the struggle to maintain one's cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into the symbolism of Thomas and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this fascinating character.

Q: What is the significance of Thomas's bicycle being stolen when he was ten years old?

A: The fact that Thomas's bicycle was stolen when he was ten years old is a significant detail in the story. It suggests that Thomas is the only one who is vulnerable and open to exploitation, while the other characters in the story are more protected and secure. This vulnerability is a key aspect of Thomas's authenticity, as he is willing to take risks and face challenges head-on, rather than trying to fit in with the crowd.

Q: How does Thomas's connection to his Native American heritage contribute to his authenticity?

A: Thomas's connection to his Native American heritage is a key aspect of his authenticity. He is a proud member of the Ojibwe tribe and has maintained his cultural traditions, including his language and customs. This connection to his heritage gives him a sense of identity and purpose, and allows him to navigate the challenges of the world with ease.

Q: What is the significance of Thomas being a gymnast?

A: Thomas's profession as a gymnast is significant in the story. Gymnastics is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, and agility, all of which are qualities that Thomas possesses in abundance. However, gymnastics is also a sport that requires a high level of discipline and focus, which are qualities that Thomas also possesses. This suggests that Thomas is a highly disciplined and focused individual, who is able to navigate the challenges of the world with ease.

Q: How does Thomas's relationship with Cadi contribute to the symbolism of the story?

A: Thomas's relationship with Cadi is complex and multifaceted. On the surface, it appears to be a friendship, but beneath the surface, it is a relationship of mentorship and guidance. Thomas serves as a guide and mentor to Cadi, helping him to navigate the challenges of the world and find his place in it. This relationship highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance in the story, and serves as a reminder of the importance of passing on cultural traditions and knowledge from one generation to the next.

Q: What is the significance of the title "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona"?

A: The title "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" is significant in the story. It suggests that the story is not just about the physical location of Phoenix, Arizona, but about the emotional and psychological journey of the characters. The title also highlights the importance of language and communication in the story, and serves as a reminder of the power of words to shape our understanding of the world.

Q: How does the symbolism of Thomas contribute to the themes of the story?

A: The symbolism of Thomas contributes to the themes of the story in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the importance of authenticity and identity in the story. Thomas's authenticity is a key aspect of his character, and serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself. Secondly, it highlights the importance of cultural heritage and tradition in the story. Thomas's connection to his Native American heritage is a key aspect of his character, and serves as a reminder of the importance of passing on cultural traditions and knowledge from one generation to the next. Finally, it highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance in the story. Thomas's relationship with Cadi serves as a reminder of the importance of passing on knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

In conclusion, the symbolism of Thomas in "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" is complex and multifaceted. His connection to his Native American heritage, his vulnerability, and his discipline and focus all contribute to his authenticity, and make him a symbol of truth and integrity in the story. The novel highlights the importance of maintaining one's cultural heritage and traditions, and the dangers of assimilation and cultural appropriation.