The Man to Send Rainclouds the Man to Send Rain Clouds Theme of Continuity and Change

In her short story "The Man to Send Rainclouds" Leslie Silko writes about the burial of a dead native elder, stating that "he sat down to rest in the shade and never got up again" (Silko 1). Silko uses obscurity and symbolism to display her attitude towards culture. She was very open to different religions and ways of life because she was of a mixed descent.

Obscurity is a recurring motif in the story. Silko uses it to show how blurred the lines of culture can really become. "The curtains were heavy, and the light from within faintly penetrated…" (Silko 2) is an example of a quote that features the motif. It showcases that because there wasn't sufficient lighting it was hard to see, which is a metaphorical way of saying that a clear decision couldn't be made. It was unclear whether giving the natives the holy water was right or wrong in the priest mind and this quote highlighted that fact. Another quote is "They were nearly hidden by the red blanket," (Silko 2). It is an example of obscurity because the blanket is blocking the view of Teofilo and his moccasins which can be interpreted as the culture itself being hidden. Examples of the motif of obscurity can be found in many parts of the short story.

Symbolism is a very prevalent literary element in Silko's work. One example is in the quote, "Leon's green arm jacket that was too big for her," (Silko 2) where the jacket represented the western culture. It was something that Louise was not used to and it didn't suit her. It seemed as though it was placed into her life unwillingly but she began to embrace the different way of life. Another example of symbolism is Teofilo; it could be argued that he represented the native culture. With his death came the breakdown of his culture. His people began to incorporate the western ways of living into their own. Symbolism is a very important part of this story because Silko uses it to communicate with the reader.

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All in all, "The Man to Send Rainclouds" is a piece of literature that is written with a motif of obscurity and a lot of symbolism. Both keeps the reader entertained and betters the work. Silko maintained openness to the cultures of both the western world and the natives while showing that one was beginning to overtake the other.

Related Questions

on The Man To Send Rain clouds Symbolism and Obscurity Essay

What Does The Holy Water Symbolize For Father Paul What Does The Holy Water Symbolize For Leon?

Father Paul explains that the holy water is a symbol of God's love and grace. It is a reminder that we are never alone, and that God is always with us. Leon explains that the holy water is a reminder that we are all sinners and that we need God's forgiveness.

What Do Clouds Symbolize In Literature?

In literature, clouds often symbolize the changeable and transitory nature of life. They can also represent the ephemeral nature of happiness or the fleetingness of youth.

How Does Silko Use Symbols?

Silko uses symbols to communicate her ideas about the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of maintaining a balance between the natural and spiritual worlds. For example, the color yellow is often used to represent the sun, life, and hope, while blue often symbolizes the sky, water, and healing. Silko also frequently employs animal symbols, such as the bear, to represent strength, wisdom, and the cycle of life.

Who Is Teofilo In The Man To Send Rain Clouds?

Teofilo is a character in the story The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko. He is an old man who has been living in the desert for many years. He is wise and has a deep understanding of the natural world. He is also a shaman, and is able to communicate with the spirits of the animals and the plants."

Who Wrote The Man To Send Rain Clouds?

The story The Man Who Send Rain Clouds" was written by the Native American author and activist, Leslie Marmon Silko. Silko was born in 1948 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is of Laguna Pueblo, Mexican, and Euro-American descent. She is a well-known figure in the Native American Renaissance, a period of increased visibility and creativity among Native American writers, artists, and musicians. Silko's writing is often concerned with the preservation of Native American culture and traditions, and she is considered one of the most important and influential Native American authors of her generation."

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