This novel poses two different understandings of the world against one another. One perspective is based on traditional Laguna Pueblo and Native American culture, mythology, storytelling, and ceremony. The other is modern, scientific, and western. Characters like Josiah, Betonie, and Ts'eh endorse the traditional way of viewing the world, while the army doctors, teachers at Indian school, and young Lagunas who have embraced white culture adopt the modern perspective. So who is right? The novel makes the argument that the traditional Native American version of reality is healthy and promotes life, while the western, scientific perspective promotes death and destruction. Our protagonist Tayo is crazy according to the white army doctors, but sane according to Native American medicine men and women. So who do you side with?
Questions About Versions of Reality
- What are some words we can use to describe the perspective of the white teachers at Indian school? Scientific? Modern? Can you think of any others? Which characters take this perspective?
- How would you describe the perspective of medicine men like old Ku'oosh and Betonie? Traditional? Mythical? What other adjectives can you think of? Which characters share their understanding of reality?
- According to old Grandma, the world used to be full of magic and people could talk to the animals. Judging by the experiences Tayo has during his ceremony, do you think that magic ended long ago, like she says? Or do magical things still happen?
- Is Tayo crazy?
Chew on This
Tayo's ideas and behavior don't make sense in the context of the modern, scientific world. He has visions that no one else sees and believes in things that are irrational. That must mean he's crazy.
This novel pokes a lot of holes in the scientific understanding of the universe. If science is so great, why does it lead to irrational and devastating tragedies like atomic warfare?