Thus far in the novel, there have been several notable
instances of bird imagery in connection to Native Americans. Though the animal selected by the author remains
consistent, the purpose of the literary device is to illustrate the several
different sides of the Native American identity.
In the graveyard with hope,
Magawisca states that the symbol of her tribe is the eagle as she points at her
mother’s tomb. Additionally, she also says
that Faith is being cherished in her tribe like a bird cherishing its young. One may notice the dichotomy between the
warlike image of an eagle, a bird-of-prey, and the image of a bird cherishing
its young. Sedgwick seems to be
attempting to show the full emotional capabilities of the Native Americans and trying
remind the reader that their personalities are multi-faceted. Her goal is not to portray the Indians as a
statically hostile and unfeeling people, but rather a group of people capable
of feeling the range of emotions available to all human beings.
The bird image has significant
implications when analyzing plot points as well. Magawisca’s lost arm may be likened to a bird’s
wings being clipped. Magawisca is now
earthbound and forced to deal with Native American/English conflict, no longer
able to soar above it as a child may avoid life’s struggles in youth. Also, Hope stated in her letters that her
thoughts are “given to flight.” I
believe Sedgwick may either be attempting to liken Hope to the Indians,
implying that her mental fortitude may rival that of Magawisca, or reinforce Hope's sympathy towards the group of people.
I agree with Ryan that the bird imagery is important in the book. In fact, I believe it to be a pretty big motif. Ryan already gave some great examples, but I partially disagree with him on the meaning. I feel that the bird image is more a symbol of freedom than of "the range of emotions". A bird is not bound to the earth, giving it untold freedom. If we use Ryan' later examples then Magawisca's loss of her arm inhibits her freedom of movement and Hope's thoughts "given to flight"is the freedom of thought. Another example is when Hope flees the sailors, the narrator describes "she flew as if she were borne on the wings of the wind." The freedom of flight and the bird is continuously repeated through the book.
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