Activity 1: Analyzing the Structure of "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" and Another Text
"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown is structured chronologically, detailing the events surrounding the displacement and persecution of Native American tribes in the late 19th century. Each chapter focuses on a different tribe or key historical event, creating a narrative that emphasizes the ongoing struggle of Indigenous peoples. This chronological organization not only highlights the progression of injustices faced by Native Americans but also facilitates a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of these events. For example, Brown’s chapter on the Lakota Sioux's struggle at the Little Bighorn provides a backdrop that prepares the reader for the subsequent tragedies that follow, illustrating a pattern of systemic oppression.
In contrast, another text from this unit, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, utilizes a more episodic structure interspersed with humor and personal anecdotes. While Alexie's novel captures the contemporary Indigenous experience through the eyes of the young protagonist, Junior, it navigates various themes such as identity and resilience in a non-linear fashion. For instance, the juxtaposition of Junior's life on the Spokane Reservation with his experiences at a predominantly white high school creates a dynamic interplay between his past and present, underscoring the duality of his identity. Despite their differing structures, both texts use their organization to enhance their narratives and underscore the themes of struggle and resilience.
Both Brown and Alexie employ their respective structures to provoke thought and evoke empathy in their readers. Brown's chronological layout serves to meticulously document traumatic historical events, while Alexie's episodic narration captures the essence of modern Indigenous life through humor and personal reflection. By comparing these structures, we see how both authors effectively communicate their themes, despite their varying approaches to narrative organization.
Activity 2: Public Advocacy in "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"
Dee Brown’s "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" is more than a historical account; it serves as a powerful piece of public advocacy that seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding Indigenous Americans. The overall structure of the book, which unfolds chronologically through its detailed chapters on various tribes and events, allows Brown to methodically present his argument about the systemic injustices that Native Americans faced during westward expansion. Through an analysis of the text's structure and arguments, it becomes clear how Brown seeks to elevate Indigenous voices and highlight the consequences of colonialism.
Brown introduces each chapter with a specific focus on a distinct Indigenous tribe—such as the Lakota Sioux or the Nez Perce—thereby grounding the reader in the unique experiences of each group. For example, the chapter detailing the Sand Creek Massacre not only recounts the tragic events leading up to and during the massacre but also incorporates the perspectives of the victims, emphasizing the human cost of these historical injustices. This structure allows Brown to present a multifaceted argument: the atrocities committed against Native Americans are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader pattern of violence and oppression sanctioned by the U.S. government. By repeatedly employing this structure throughout the book, Brown strengthens his advocacy by illustrating the cumulative impact of colonization on many Indigenous communities.
Furthermore, Brown's careful selection of firsthand accounts and testimonies from Native leaders strengthens the overall argument he develops. For instance, he includes the words of chiefs and warriors who articulate their feelings of loss and betrayal, such as when Chief Red Cloud states, “We were driven from our homes… Our people scattered.” Such quotations humanize the historical narrative, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the stories of despair and resilience. This emotional resonance is crucial for public advocacy, as it invites readers to empathize with the Indigenous experience and reflect on the ongoing legacies of these injustices.
In conclusion, the structure of "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," with its chronological arrangements of chapters focusing on specific tribes and accompanied by powerful firsthand accounts, serves to articulate a compelling argument about the historical trauma faced by Indigenous peoples. Brown's narrative organization not only informs readers but also advocates for a reevaluation of historical perspectives on American expansionism. Through this advocacy, Brown successfully brings to light the importance of Indigenous voices and experiences in understanding American history, compelling readers to acknowledge the past and consider its implications for the present and future.