James Niggemann posting#2
James Niggemann (jjn8780@silver.sdsmt.edu)
Fri, 7 Nov 1997 13:34:39 -0700 (MST)
I think that by telling this story in a non-linear style, Silko
allows you see Tayo's perspective better.
A person doesn't think in a linear way, so the story seems to
follow Tayo's mind not events. As a reader, it is easier for you follow
him as he puts the pieces of this puzzle together. An example would be
the way some of the parts that are from the past seem to explain his
feelings of guilt. The part on pages 65 - 73 explains his guilt for the
shame he caused his Aunt, and his broken promise to her; to bring Rocky
back safe.
The mythical stories are explanations for what is happening and why.
They seem to be related to his progress. Often in the book a story is
followed by a part were he is doing better. For example, on page 106,
after the story of the hummingbird and fly, for the first time I remember
he says he is doing better. The story that is placed between the
ceremony with Betonie, the one about white people, is followed by Tayo feeling
strong. The long story about the gambler stealing the stormclouds is
followed by what seems to be the most important development for Tayo thus
far; meeting this woman in pale buckskin moccasins.
I think the story begins with Tayo being sick and wanting to find a
sense of well being and follows him, chronologically in a sense, on that
quest. The events fall into place in the story based on that, not when
they actually occurred.
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