White Mans Dog example essay topic

Of all the sins staining the American conscience, the decimation of the Native Americans and the systematic destruction of most facets of their way of life weighs no heavier. James Welch's historical novel Fool's Crow traces the life of one Lone Eater as he comes of age and his people and his way of life are ravaged by disease and the onslaught of the American nation's Manifest Destiny. Focused on the universal human condition and the perspective of Native Americans, Welch teaches us the history of a culture and a people that were laid as sacrifice upon the altar of the American nation by the basest instincts of human nature. The Lone Eaters customs and beliefs surrounding marriage are similar to those of white society in late 1800's and in some ways they are distinctly different. The husband is expected to be the provider in Blackfeet society. Thus, some modicum of wealth and assets as well as an ability to hunt is seen as necessary before taking a bride.

Fast Horse makes us aware of this fact at the outset of novel before the raid on the Crow camp when he tell White Man's Dog that "Many women already find me attractive but their fathers know I am without wealth (7)". Wealth in this instance is horses, which are the most valued asset amongst the Lone Eaters. This point is further reinforced when Heavy Shield Women says to White Mans Dog just prior to him marrying her daughter " 'And what about you, young man? Now that you are rich and powerful, it is time for you take a wife (104)". Marriages are, if not totally arranged, at least subject to parents approval.

Wanting to marry Red Paint, White Man's Dog implores his spiritual mentor Mik-api to assist him. Mik-api reminds him that "First, you must go to your father and mother and tell them of your intentions (105)". After much consternation over White Man's Dog taking a bride who is of such a needy family his father says, "Your mother and I give you permission, son. You may propose a marriage to Red Paint and her family (106)".

The two had not ever spoken to each other a week before the marriage, but this was of little consequence. The families exchanged gifts, and the marriage and festivities took place (107). All this happened within a weeks time and on her wedding night Red Paint brooded over the idea that "Less than seven sleeps ago, marriage had been the furthest thing from her thoughts (108)". Many tribal men as they became older and more influential within the tribe took multiple wives. White Man's Dog talks at length of his fathers third wife early on in the novel (87). Lone Eater society was a patriarchy and women were generally in a subservient position.

Men fulfilled the role of provider; to be a good provider in Lone Eater society meant in the simplest sense that the husband had the ability to hunt and feed his wife or wives and their children. Much as in white society, women were things to be acquired and gained. A man had to prove his ability to be a good provider in order to gain women. This attitude is seen clearly in Fast Horse's remarks at the outset of the novel when he advises White Man's Dog to "go to your father's lodge and dream of all those women you desire. With the Crow horses they will be yours and you won't have to mount the dogs (8)". Women tended the home.

Red paint is seen at work "rubbing brains and grease into a deerskin to make it soft (64)". Later, Rides-at-the door, wishing to smoke with his son, addresses his wife as "Woman!" ordering her to "Bring tobacco (95)". The power structure within the tribes was dominated by men. This fact is illustrated when Welch tells of the All Friends society meeting upon Yellow Kidney's return as "The women who had served the men were gone (72)".

They did not stay to hear Yellow Kidney's retelling of his misfortune, but rather served the meal and left the meeting. During his retelling the reality of how devalued women were in Lone Easter society is further reinforced when Yellow Kidney tells of how he raped a young women while hiding from the Crows during the raid. Though she was a Crow woman and not of his tribe, it is still a clear illustration of how he regarded women. Though they were subservient to the men their work as artisans was highly valued.

In Yellow Kidney's absence Red Paint used her fine craftsmanship to help provide for her family. Her particular skill was with moccasins. Welch tells of how "She was good and her elaborate patterns were becoming the talking of the camp (53)". Amidst the small-pox ravaged camp and land seizures of the whites later in the novel her work is admired still as she "wore a dress of elk skin trimmed several rows of elk teeth (389)". They were unquestionably in a subservient position, but there were instances when men regarded them with respect. In the wake of Rides-at-the-door discovery that his younger son was having an affair with Kills-close-to-the-lake grants her her freedom and banishes her from his house sending her to be with her kin (342).

Rides-at-the-door shows decency and mercy toward his unfaithful wife.