Blue Winds Dancing
Question One
Within the story, the narrator is assailed by two forms of conflict; the first is intrinsic in nature stemming from the need to create an identity while the second is extrinsic in nature as shaped by the need to survive within the divergent society. Both conflicts share a similar source by the fact that they emanate from the narrator’s attitudes towards the White and Indian cultures that he has interacted with in his life. In the opening section, the reader is introduced to the narrator’s perspectives with regard to the Wisconsin lifestyle that is idle, stress-free as enhanced by the nature and wildlife within the environment and the altering nature as evidenced by the rotational seasons. The narrator’s present setting within the White populace is contrasted to the Indian lifestyle as being individualistic and greedy in terms of materialistic needs. This evidently inhibits the peace and joy that the narrator finds within the Indian setting that according to the modernized and civilized views is termed as backward.
The narrator’s attitude towards the civilized setting evidences dissatisfaction as he collectively describes the White lifestyle as a ‘bluff’. To the Whites, civilization constitutes to egotistical practices in terms of societal constitution, conforming to folk beliefs and pursuing endeavors for survival purposes as opposed to one’s interests. On the other hand, the Indian civilization is marked by collectiveness reflects by giving practices, sharing of resources and foodstuff provisions and merry making through communal singing. Being an Indian, the narrator therefore identifies with the latter civilization definition therefore serving as the main inhibitor to his lack of identity within the White setting.
The reader is capable of decoding this message from the publication as presented from the first-person viewpoint as presented by the narrator and thereby making him the protagonist. This means that his subjective attitudes and views act as the constituents to his position as the protagonist. The antagonist would therefore be the conflicting views that tend to counter his standpoint and aspirations, primarily evidenced by the White civilization. Secondary antagonists are outlined as the railroad bull that may lead to his demise if not carefully avoided, the chilly weather encountered through his travels, and the uncertainty that challenges his Indian identity upon his initial presentation to the tribe members.
Question Two
The excerpt comprises of two interrelated parts as separated by the semicolon. The initial part refers to the physical state the narrator faces on his last part of the journey as he treks through the abandoned forest towards his homestead. The second part is both physical and figurative as the narrator draws contrast between the two settings with his walking experience within the campus setting. Clearly, his loneliness emanates from the lack of familiarity within campus as opposed to Wisconsin; the preceding statements before the excerpt evidence the lack of identity faced by the Indians among the Whites, as they cannot ‘fit’ in. Thereby the environmental blending he observes during his trek is symbolic of the societal blending that he achieves among his People.
Question Three
Winds are often used to describe the spirit and in this case the human spirit. The blue color on the other hand is viewed as a symbol of serenity or sadness. Dancing is used to evidence an external expression of joyfulness. Therefore, the blue winds dancing mean the uplifting of a sad spirit and within the narrative being the contentment that the narrator acquires upon the introspective encounter towards the realization of his real identity. The wisdom acquired is therefore that which is attained by the realization that identity acts as a prerequisite to a happy and civilized life.
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