I am actually starting to like this book. It is very rich in imagery, similes, metaphors, and just plain beautiful writing. It is also a lot less confusing, now, than at the beginning of the book. In addition to learning about Tayo's life, I have also learned a lot about Indian tradition and belief. I really respect their beliefs, in respecting where they have come from, respecting the environment itself, and I have noticed that typically tribe/family is a big part of Indian tradition. I liked the comparison of Christianity and Indian belief, how Indian is sharing consciousness and knowing, while Christianity is individualist.
A lot is also mentioned on the European impact on tribes, and how so many of the Indians hate the white men. Indians blame them for the war, the deaths, the alcohol, the violence, the corruption, and even Tayo himself. I agree that they deserve this blame.[
"He had seen the color of that light once before, but he had never been sure if it was the light or the beer he was drinking." (Silko 50)
I like this quote because its so confusing. haha. It is strong figurative speech, and there are many different ways the reader can interpret it. I'm not quite sure what's so appealing about the quote.
"An old sensitivity had descended in her, surviving thousands of years from the oldest times, when the people shared a s ingle clan name and they told each other who they were; they recounted the actions and words each of their clan had taken, and would take; from before they were born and long after they died, the people shared the same consciousness. The people had known, with the simple certainty of the world they saw, how everything should be." (Silko 68)
As I was talking about before, I really like the idea of this. It's inspirational, and I wish that our society could have taken more from the Native American society that we replaced. We would have never been in this environmental tragedy that we are in now.
I don't understand why they call themselves Indians! They're Native American's. I don't like that.
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I agree! The book is way less confusing now. I also am in love with the language she uses. I don't really like how they call themselves Indians either, but I think it's just because that's what they're used to being called. And it's our fault haha. I always use the term Native American. I also really respect the culture and traditions. Where I grew up I knew lots of people who practiced them and I learned a lot about them.
ReplyDeleteNice bit about the environment! :p
I agree with you on the quote about the light, it seems like it can be interpreted many ways :D
ReplyDeleteYou said that the white people deserve this blame do you think that Silko also blames the white people?
ReplyDeleteI also agree, I love the Indian culture tied into the story and I respect it too. I also really enjoy her writing and I like the confusing parts because it makes you think.
ReplyDeleteMaura,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post.
Why do you say they are Native Americans? Why aren't they Indians?
What parallels are there with the Indian's beliefs about the environment and the 'Ancient' Hawaiian Culture?
Thoughts anyone?
Ms. Champagne