IndexIntroductionPTSD in the "red convertible"Henry's transformationThe red convertible as a symbol of mental changeConclusionReferencesIntroductionIn the modern era, discussions about mental health have gained significant ground. What was once a highly stigmatized topic is now being brought into the spotlight. Historically, individuals struggling with mental illness lived in fear that their problems would be misunderstood by the general public, contributing to the growth of a pervasive stigma around mental health. One such mental health condition is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which results from exposure to traumatic and life-threatening events, often including combat-related experiences, as highlighted by the authors of "PTSD Prevalence, Associated Exposures , and Functional Health Outcomes in a Large Population-Based Military Group.” In the early 1900s, the concept of PTSD was not accorded the seriousness it has today. However, contemporary discourse has emphasized the importance of understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this condition, given its profound impact on the daily lives of countless individuals. Common symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and increased reactivity. In “The Red Convertible,” Louise Erdrich employs her literary skill to illustrate the Native American experience with PTSD after the Vietnam War. The author skillfully juxtaposes Henry's pre- and post-war narratives to emphasize the extent and repercussions of post-war trauma. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay PTSD in "The Red Convertible"Henry's TransformationHenry's transformation from a carefree young man enjoying summer adventures to a battle-scarred veteran encapsulates the profound change in his relationship with the outside world. At the beginning of the story, Henry is portrayed as an adventurous soul. Before the military draft, he goes on a summer road trip with Lyman soon after purchasing the red convertible. Lyman fondly recalls that the brothers "lived their daily lives from here to there," crossing great distances by car to explore new sights. Henry's desire to spend an entire summer exploring new locations is a testament to his adventurous spirit before being thrust into the horrors of war. However, this adventurous character gradually dissolves after Henry's return from Vietnam, marking his increasing detachment from the outside world due to PTSD. Lyman notes that it became "easier for him to do the things we all did," such as eating without distractions and refraining from looking out windows. This newfound solitude paints an entirely different portrait of Henry: He isolates himself and severs ties to anything beyond his immediate activities, a telltale symptom of PTSD. The transformation becomes even more pronounced when the reader witnesses Henry's anguished reaction to the color television. As he watched on the color set, "Henry didn't have it easy," fervently gripping the armrests and, at one point, biting his lip until "the blood ran down his chin." This visceral reaction reveals how deeply unsettling it has become for Henry to immerse himself in another reality—in this case, the brightly colored images of television. According to an article from Healthy Place, thePeople with PTSD often struggle with change, and Henry's discomfort with embracing new experiences becomes apparent. The contrast in his attitudes towards the outside world serves to underline the severity of his mental anguish, vividly illustrating how trauma can radically alter a person's perspective. Henry once enjoyed discovering new places, but his harrowing experiences in Vietnam forever changed his view of the outside world. Another significant change in Henry is his altered personality upon returning from Vietnam. Initially presented as a playful and jovial young man, Henry undergoes a marked transformation compared to his time in Alaska. While in Alaska, Henry was known for "always having a joke", but upon his return from the war "you couldn't make him laugh". The change in Henry's behavior is striking, and leaves no room for doubt as to his altered temperament. As Lyman notes, "It was a fact: He was nervous and mean." Henry goes from a carefree, fun-loving individual to a solemn veteran, unable to enjoy life as he once did. This transformation in his personality communicates to the reader the profound impact of PTSD, as it drains him of his carefree spirit and stifles his ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. The Red Convertible as a Symbol of Mental Change Furthermore, the red convertible serves as a symbol that reflects the evolution of Henry's mental turmoil. This convertible becomes a narrative device that effectively portrays Henry's changing mental state in the aftermath of the war. When the car is first introduced into the story, it is described as "rested, calm and sparkling". Similarly, Henry's life before the war is characterized by calm and serenity, as illustrated when the brothers take a moment to rest under a willow tree. During this break from their journey, Lyman fondly remembers Henry as "asleep with his arms wide open," signifying an open and carefree disposition, eager to embrace life's myriad experiences. The car's sturdiness during summer travel can be compared to Henry's mental resilience during this period. Their summer travels accentuate Henry's carefree nature and the stability of his mental state, which persists throughout the season. However, the red convertible's journey after Henry's return reveals his struggle with PTSD and eventual downfall. Initially, upon his return, Henry pays no attention to the car. It's only when Lyman deliberately damages the car, recounting how he "torn it to pieces" until it looked "worse than any... car that's ever been driven," that Henry notices. Henry appears to perceive the battered convertible as a reflection of himself. He tries hard to repair the car, dedicating himself to work day and night, even doing everything he can to get spare parts. This mirrors Henry's efforts to repair his mental state, and for a time, he appears to have recovered, as evidenced by his joyful push with Lyman. This fleeting moment is reminiscent of the old Henry, the one who delighted in carefree trips with his brother. However, this respite is short-lived. Eventually, his PTSD resurfaces with a vengeance. Lyman informs the reader how Henry's face becomes "utterly white and hard," breaking "as stones suddenly break when water boils in them." The interaction between the brothers near the river serves as a window into Henry's ongoing mental struggle. . Mental illness is often relentless and individuals struggling with such conditions are in need