The image of the Lamb above the priest’s door symbolizes the traditions of the Catholic Church in contrast to Pueblo traditions. In this context, the Lamb, which represents Jesus, serves as a reminder of the Christian faith and its teachings. This contrasting imagery highlights the interaction between the Catholic Church and the Pueblo culture, illustrating the complexities of cultural integration and the coexistence of differing belief systems.
Leon knocked at the old carved door with its symbols of the Lamb. While he waited he looked up at the twin bells from the king of Spain with the last sunlight pouring around them in their tower.
—“The Man to Send Rain Clouds,”
Leslie Marmon Silko
In the Catholic tradition, the Lamb represents Jesus. What does the image of the Lamb above the priest’s door symbolize?
The Lamb symbolizes the sheep raised by the Pueblo people.
The Lamb symbolizes the gentle nature of the priest in his interactions with the people.
The Lamb symbolizes the traditions of the Catholic Church in contrast to Pueblo traditions.
7 answers
Leon knocked at the old carved door with its symbols of the Lamb. While he waited he looked up at the twin bells from the king of Spain with the last sunlight pouring around them in their tower.
—“The Man to Send Rain Clouds,”
Leslie Marmon Silko
What do the bells from the king of Spain symbolize?
The bells symbolize the end of the old man’s life.
The bells symbolize the Spanish influence on Pueblo traditions.
The bells symbolize the Pueblo gods by reflecting sunlight.
The bells symbolize silence, which matches the tone of the scene.
—“The Man to Send Rain Clouds,”
Leslie Marmon Silko
What do the bells from the king of Spain symbolize?
The bells symbolize the end of the old man’s life.
The bells symbolize the Spanish influence on Pueblo traditions.
The bells symbolize the Pueblo gods by reflecting sunlight.
The bells symbolize silence, which matches the tone of the scene.
The bells from the king of Spain symbolize the Spanish influence on Pueblo traditions. The presence of the bells represents the historical and cultural impact of colonialism on the indigenous Pueblo people, illustrating the blend of European and Pueblo cultures and traditions.
The wind pulled at the priest's brown Franciscan robe and swirled away the corn meal and pollen that had been sprinkled on the blanket. They lowered the bundle into the ground, and they didn't bother to untie the stiff pieces of new rope that were tied around the ends of the blanket. The sun was gone, and over on the highway the eastbound lane was full of headlights. The priest walked away slowly. Leon turned to look up at the high blue mountains in the deep snow that reflected a faint red light from the west. He felt good because it was finished, and he was happy about the sprinkling of the holy water; now the old man could send them big thunderclouds for sure.
—“The Man to Send Rain Clouds,”
Leslie Marmon Silko
What other red item or element might be connected to the red light in the west?
—“The Man to Send Rain Clouds,”
Leslie Marmon Silko
What other red item or element might be connected to the red light in the west?
The red light in the west could be connected to the concept of the setting sun, which often symbolizes the end of a cycle or life. Additionally, it might also relate to the cultural significance of the color red in various Indigenous traditions, which can represent life, vitality, or the earth. In the context of the story, the red light could also symbolize the connection between the spiritual realm and the natural world, as it highlights the transition between day and night, reflecting the themes of life, death, and the rituals surrounding them. Moreover, it might evoke imagery related to the traditional use of sacred items, such as red corn or red earth, which have significance in Pueblo culture.
The holy water in the story is symbolic. How does the meaning differ for the priest and Leon? Use examples from the text as you explain how both men view the holy water.
In Leslie Marmon Silko's "The Man to Send Rain Clouds," the holy water holds different meanings for the priest and Leon, reflecting their distinct cultural beliefs and perspectives.
For the priest, the holy water symbolizes a formal religious rite and a means of sanctifying the deceased. It is an essential part of his Catholic tradition, representing purification, blessing, and the Christian belief in the afterlife. The priest likely views the sprinkling of holy water as a ritual that gives the old man a Christian send-off, providing him with spiritual guidance into the afterlife. His approach reflects a desire to fulfill his duties as a representative of the Catholic Church, adhering to established religious practices, which he sees as necessary for the old man's peace.
In contrast, Leon's view of holy water is rooted in his Pueblo beliefs and his practical understanding of nature and spirituality. For Leon, the sprinkling of holy water takes on a more personal and communal significance. He feels that it directly influences the natural world, as evidenced by his belief that the old man can now "send them big thunderclouds for sure." This reflects a connection to the earth and an understanding of the old man's spirit as intertwined with the natural elements, like rain. Leon’s happiness about the ritual indicates that he sees the holy water as a way to honor not only the deceased but also to invoke the forces of nature that are crucial for their community's survival.
The contrasting views on holy water highlight the intersection of cultural beliefs—the priest’s approach is formal and Christian, while Leon’s perspective is more personal and holistic, emphasizing the relationship between the living, the deceased, and the natural world. This difference underscores the broader theme of cultural intersection and the complexities of incorporating differing belief systems into communal rituals.
1 answer