Part #4

     In this final section of the book, major things are happening. There is an issue between two main characters, and also the suicide of Junior. In this suicide, it seems that Junior is taking the short way out instead of confronting the issue and trying to be noble about it. Instead he takes the other way out and instead of trying to resolve problems more are created. Also when Chess and Thomas were at a restaurant, and there nationally was questioned, they decided it was just time to leave, "Let's get out of here" (239), because they shouldn't have to deal with these rational problems in a public restaurant. This can relate to anyone because if you are a certain race, and you are questioned to be a different race it can be offending.  In order to support the country your from you need to be recognized for the nationality that you are.
     We also see for the last time how music is such a big part of these Indians. This is shown at the very end of the book when Thomas, Chess, and Checkers sang together in the blue van. The text says, "They sang together with the shadow horses:we are alive, we'll keep living. Songs were waiting for them up there in the dark. Songs were waiting for them in the city" (306). As we can see no matter where these three will travel to they will always have the power of music with them.  As long as they stick together music will guide them in the right path.
    Overall I had a great time reading this book, and I felt that this book did a good job of answering the overall message.