#4. Explain the Significance/Importance of the Friendship with Gordy for Junior. (AS)

When Junior arrived at Rearden, he was now welcomed by his fellow classmates. His first day was filled with unfortunate events including his dream girl getting mad at him, getting into a fight with an "alpha dog", sitting alone at lunch, and playing with himself at recess. When Junior corrected Mr. Dodge, nobody in the class (including Mr. Dodge), believed what Junior said was correct. It was not until Gordy told Mr. Dodge that Junior was however correct and Mr. Dodge was wrong. Junior soon realized that Gordy and him are both very smart and can benefit from each others knowledge. "And so we became friends. Not the best of friends. Not like Rowdy and me. We didn't share secrets. Or dreams. No, we studied together. Gordy taught me how to study. Best of all, he taught me how to read" (Alexie 94). Although Gordy will never be the same best friend that Rowdy was to Junior, Junior is still grateful to have a friend that he can learn from. Gordy helps improve Junior's english which Junior will use throughout his life. Junior realized that he and Gordy both shared the loneliness of having no friends throughout the day. He enjoys the thought of having Gordy there with him when he is feeling weak. With Gordy by Junior's side, Junior doesn't have to feel lonely and abandoned, instead he can feel like he belongs at Rearden.