We Travel the Space ways

 Tyra Alexander

6 November 2023

EN*376

Dr. Ellis


“We Travel the Spaceways” by Lavalle



After reading this short story, I wondered a lot about the relationship between people and inanimate objects. The relationship between the main character and the soda cans seemed otherworldly to me and very strange to say the least. But, I really liked the ending when Kim revealed the truth and said the cans are the voices of ancestors from the past. I found that really insightful. One quote that stood out to me said “wait until you hear them as they truly sound, not filtered through bottles and cans”. It opened my mind a bit more about the inanimate object notion. 

In this story, I’m seeing these inanimate objects be the vessel for those voices or “gods”  which shows how objects can hold history.  This subject definitely ties into a common theme I've been seeing in past readings. Such as with Big Mac’s house in McCoy Games and Zélie’s staff. I also see this in my culture as well. Items that are old are highly valued and stay in the family, no matter how much money you can make from it. I see this with the main character because he has the opportunity to turn in the cans for food but he chooses not to because of the connection he has with them.


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