"This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" by Sherman Alexie was an interesting story to read. The plot was interesting, especially with the author's choice to add flashback moments throughout the story that help explain the current narrative setting and relationship between the main characters. Although the entirety of the story is based on Victor and Thomas traveling to Phoenix to pick up Victor's ashes following his death, I never felt like Phoenix was actually important enough to be the title of the story. Rather, I think the small details characterizing Victor and Thomas' past and present friendship and the story of their relationship over time is the most significant aspect of this story.
After reading the entire story, another title that I came up with for this story is "To Tell A Thousand Stories". In my opinion, a recurring theme in this story is Thomas's connection with stories and what they mean to him. Each story that Thomas tells holds a special place in his heart because it represents something for him. His "dreams" also serve as these stories because he hopes to relay these dreams to anyone and everyone willing to listen. Even though these stories seem only significantly connected to Thomas and Victor is still a main character, I think there is still a connection between these stories and Victor because the flashback stories are about both Victor and Thomas and all Thomas desires is for Victor to listen to Thomas' stories.
That said, even though it seems as if Victor should be the main focus of this story, I actually think the title should reflect Thomas more because we learn more about his character and personality through the flashbacks and stories. There is also some component of sympathy towards Thomas as we are told that he gets beaten as a kid and doesn't have any friends because no one wants to hear his stories. Because of this, I felt for Thomas throughout the entire story, which is why I feel that a more fitting title would be "To Tell A Thousand Stories".
I completely agree that Phoenix, AZ as a destination feels less significant to the story than the journey there and back and all the flashbacks to Victor and Thomas-Builds-the-Fire's childhood. (Though the "Phoenix" in the title also evokes the mythical bird, which is reborn from its own ashes--and in that way, Phoenix in the title can help us to interpret the story.) I like that your suggestion for an alternative title makes the Thomas-Builds-the-Fire's stories a focal point. Thomas's stories are a point of connection between him and Victor, and since the story is really about their relationship, I think your suggested title would still be relevant to both characters. -Ms. O'Brien
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