What encouraged Mary to leave the reservation?
I know that Junior was an inspiration to Mary (because he was brave enough to leave the reservation) but how did that evolve to her leaving the reservation as a result?.
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I think that one of the motivations for Mary leaving the reservation was the grasp of the inward pull that it has on those who stay. Although Mary was extremely talented and very skilled in what she thinks and believes, someone capable of greatness, Mary stays in the basement and can understand or feel her life slipping from her. Certainly, seeing Junior trying to achieve his own dreams outside of the reservation is one element that compels her to consider leaving herself. She finding someone with whom she can escape also is a motivation of her departure from "the rez." The notion of being able to escape and live out her own sense of identity is one compelling element. Yet, to be able to do this with another becomes the force that galvanizes her into action. Junior understands this as his sister "trying to live out her dream." This involves being able to be far away from the inward pull of the reservation. Mary recognizes that if she does not act on her freedom now, she will become like her mother and father, beings who are trapped by what is and have extinguished any hope of what can be through alcohol and a mind- numbing existence. It is in this realization that Mary leaves.
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