Smoke Signals (film)

What lessons is Sherman Alexie looking to convey from the poem “How do We Forgive Our Fathers”?. (the poem is attached).

“How do We Forgive Our Fathers”?

How do we forgive our fathers? Maybe in a dream.

Do we forgive our fathers for leaving us too often, or forever, when we were little? Maybe for scaring us with unexpected rage, or making us nervous because there never seemed to be any rage there at all?

Do we forgive our fathers for marrying, or not marrying, our mothers? Or divorcing, or not divorcing, our mothers? And shall we forgive them for their excesses of warmth or coldness?

Shall we forgive them for pushing, or leaning? For shutting doors or speaking through walls? For never speaking, or never being silent?

Do we forgive our fathers in our age, or in theirs? Or in their deaths, saying it to them or not saying it.

If we forgive our fathers, what is left?

(Sherman Alexie, 1998)

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Last updated by Jill W
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In my opinion, the lesson to be found in the above poem is forgiveness. Note, the theme of fathers and sons is heavily present, but the lesson is found in one's ability to forgive rather than carry hurt into future generations, to learn from the mistakes of the past rather than dwell on them, and to move on with your help held high, knowing you are not responsible for the actions of others, nor is it necessary to carry the shame or guilt that accompanies them.

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Smoke Signals

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