Coulombe Summary

Reading:
Coulombe, Joseph. “The Approximate Size of His Favorite Humor: Sherman Alexie’s Comic Connections and Disconnections in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” American Indian Quarterly 26 (winter 2002) : p. 94-115. Project Muse. Ohio University Lib. Athens, OH.

In The Approximate Size of His Favorite Humor: Sherman Alexie's Comic Connections and Disconnections in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Coulombe is discussing Alexie's humor, and how it is used to break down barriers between cultural differences. While many critics feel that Alexie's humor betrays the pride and name of American Indians, Coulombe argues that it does quite the opposite, uniting people of all cultures through humor to allow understanding.

Coulombe points out that Alexie's use of humor comes from the very traditions of his culture. His humor is compared to that of the traditional Trickster, being used to create a mutual ground of understanding for all people, allowing respect among diversity. For Coulombe, Humor also acts as a healer in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. It allows the characters and readers alike to face difficulties without being overwhelmed. Although humor is used as a barrier in the stories, the readers are able to see through them, and experience the humor as a way of finding strength and hope in spite of harsh realities.

Lastly, Coulombe feels that humor is used as a tool to express American Indian relationships. Humor is used as a source of healing, and a form of connection between people facing the same problems. It allows them to connect on a personal level, just as Alexie is doing in his fiction.