The book begins by explaining how Tayo feels trapped between two
worlds. His grandmother strongly believes in her Indian background and
the rituals that are a part of her heritage. When Tayo is feeling sick
she advises him to visit the old medicine man. Tayo was released from a
hospital in California, doctored by white men. Tayo was suffering from
after affects of the war and was extremely confused and depressed. The
hospital wasn't able to help him with his problems thus not being able to
recover. Grandma felt that he needed to reach deep into his spiritual side
in order to become healed.
Tayo's aunt is a regular visitor of the church. She tries to
pursue Tayo into attending services believing this will help him free
himself of pain by getting in touch with God. Therefore he is trapped
between Christian belief and Indian belief.
Rocky also experienced confusion about which perspective to
consider his true faith. The story about the deer hunt showed how he was
not entirely sure what to consider the right way. He enjoyed hunting with
his family but disagreed on the ritual performed after the kill.
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