This section was... interesting. Now I can see why the Cubero women were nervous of Night Swam. Basically I really didn't like this section. It saddened me because of Tayo going behind Josiah's back like that. After all Josiah's done for him he just goes and sleeps with Night Swan. I do have to say though that the scene was well written. "He could smell her before he could even see her; the perfume smelled like the ivory locust blossoms that hung down from the trees in spring." (Page 97). Silko used similes like this one to describe in detail not only what Tayo saw but also what he felt and smelled. The detail of the scene also gave it a greater impact because it sounded so different from the rest of the book. The scene was mysterious and confusing at first but then it cleared up soon. I believe this symbolizes what Tayo was going through mentally during his experience. What confused me though was Tayo going back to the house where Night Swan used to live. " 'Ah Tayo,' she said softly, and he felt that she cared a great deal about him." (Page 100). Maybe Tayo believed he connected with her because she also faced racism, that he wasn't alone.
One thing that I also noticed was that Tayo said he had me "mexican eyes". " 'Mexican eyes,' he said, 'the other kids used to tease me,' " (Page 99). I was under the impression the Tayo was half white and half Native American. Does Tayo mean that he is part mexican or is there some other meaning? If someone could clear that up that would be nice.
This section wasn't my favorite just because it showed me a different and decieving side of Tayo. I feel bad for Josiah and how he probably didn't know. Although this section did show a lot of Tayo yearning for a sense of belonging, maybe that's why he did what he did.
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That was so well said about her looking in him with the racism and I totally agree, I did not even think of it. No it said earlier that his father is part white and part Mexican. I pretty sure at least.
ReplyDeleteI think that Tayo did what he did not to belong, but as more of a spur of the moment kind of thing. Because I don't really see Tayo as a person to sleep with their uncles "dancer"
ReplyDeleteI dont think it was spur of the momment i think he is not useing his head or thinking of the consoquences of his action. i think he is still messed up from war even though he does not as sick as befor ehe is still messed up and i think it is clouding his judgment. i don think Tayo's uncle will be too pleased when he finds out that the kid he sort of raised stabed him in the back...
ReplyDeleteI'm really not sure what is going to happen when his uncle finds out! Not good! I think that Tayo has had a thing for Night Swan for a while (he has always watched her - kind of creepy), and he kind of just fell under her spell... If you can think of it that way.
ReplyDeleteI think that Tayo didn't mean to do that with Night Swan, he wouldn't do that on purpose to Josiah. I also think that Tayo like Night Swan, maybe that's another reason of why they did it.
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post.
Clearly you guys are still struggling with the past, present tenses of the book. The Night Swan thing is a flash back. It was probably just before he goes off and joins the war. Think about it from that point of view. I don't think Tayo intentionally did what he did...
It may be that Josiah never finds out because he dies while Tayo is away at the war.
Thoughts anyone?
Ms Champagne
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteWhat makes a prostitute a prostitute? Money...so Night Swan may be promiscuous but she is not a prostitute.
Would you call a guy a prostitute...or would he just be 'the man' because he sleeps with many women...you need to think about this because if that is your thought it is a skewed way of thinking.
Ms. Champagne