The inference that can be made about why Father Paul decides to go with Leon is that he hopes to integrate his beliefs with their culture as much as they will allow him to. Throughout the dialogue, Father Paul expresses concern about the lack of the Last Rites and a proper funeral Mass, indicating his desire to fulfill his religious duties. However, Leon's insistence on simply bringing holy water suggests a cultural perspective that differs from the traditional Christian practices. By choosing to go with Leon, Father Paul may be seeking a way to respect the cultural practices while also maintaining his role as a priest.
“No thank you, Father. I only came to ask you if you would bring your holy water to the graveyard.”
…“Why didn’t you tell me he was dead? I could have brought the Last Rites anyway.”
Leon smiled. “It wasn’t necessary, Father.”
The priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. “For a Christian burial it was necessary.”
His voice was distant, and Leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired.
“It’s O.K. Father, we just want him to have plenty of water.”
The priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. He turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them.
“You know I can’t do that, Leon. There should have been the Last Rites and a funeral Mass at the very least.”
Leon put on his green cap and pulled the flaps down over his ears. “It’s getting late, Father. I’ve got to go.”
When Leon opened the door Father Paul stood up and said, “Wait.”
—“The Man to Send Rain Clouds,”
Leslie Silko
What inference can you make about why Father Paul decides to go with Leon?
He hopes that they will still allow him to perform the last rites.
He hopes to integrate his beliefs with their culture as much as they will allow him to.
He decides to go pray for Teofilo without the people knowing about it.
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The priest walked away slowly. Leon watched him climb the hill, and when he had disappeared within the tall, thick walls, 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 Silko
Based on the final sentence of the story, what can you infer about Leon’s beliefs?
He understands why the Catholic priest needs to perform the ceremony, but he will not compromise his own beliefs.
He is pleased that he convinced the priest to water the ground for Teofilo’s afterlife.
He believes in Pueblo cultural traditions, but he is willing to participate in the Catholic tradition as well.
—“The Man to Send Rain Clouds,”
Leslie Silko
Based on the final sentence of the story, what can you infer about Leon’s beliefs?
He understands why the Catholic priest needs to perform the ceremony, but he will not compromise his own beliefs.
He is pleased that he convinced the priest to water the ground for Teofilo’s afterlife.
He believes in Pueblo cultural traditions, but he is willing to participate in the Catholic tradition as well.
Based on the final sentence of the story, the inference that can be made about Leon’s beliefs is that he believes in Pueblo cultural traditions, but he is willing to participate in the Catholic tradition as well. Leon feels satisfied with the act of sprinkling holy water, indicating that he recognizes its significance, but his primary concern is for the old man's afterlife and the rituals pertaining to their culture. The reference to sending "big thunderclouds" suggests a belief in the spiritual connection to nature and the traditional Pueblo practices, while also acknowledging the Catholic ritual as something that can coexist with his own cultural beliefs.
How does Silko use symbols, such as holy water, and literary devices to explain the cultural differences between the Catholic priest and the Pueblo in “The Man to Send Rain Clouds”? Include evidence from the story to support your response.
In "The Man to Send Rain Clouds," Leslie Silko employs symbols and literary devices to highlight the cultural differences between the Catholic priest, Father Paul, and the Pueblo community, particularly as they relate to death and burial practices.
Symbolism
Holy Water: The holy water symbolizes the intersection of Catholicism and Pueblo spirituality. For Father Paul, holy water is a vital element of the Last Rites, essential for a proper Christian burial. He sees it as a means to invoke God’s blessing and ensure the deceased's safe passage to the afterlife, reflecting his strict adherence to Catholic tradition. However, for Leon and the Pueblo people, the holy water is less about its religious significance and more about the intent behind its use—sprinkling it on Teofilo’s grave is an act of respect and a way to invoke natural elements, specifically the "big thunderclouds," which are crucial for their agricultural way of life. Leon's happiness about the sprinkling of holy water underscores his belief that this act will facilitate spiritual connections to nature, rather than conforming strictly to religious doctrine.
Literary Devices
Dialogue: Silko uses dialogue effectively to showcase the differing perspectives of the characters. When Father Paul insists, "There should have been the Last Rites and a funeral Mass at the very least," it reveals his commitment to the ceremonial requirements of his faith. Conversely, Leon’s responses, such as "It’s O.K. Father, we just want him to have plenty of water," indicate a more pragmatic approach that prioritizes the community's needs over adherence to religious formalities. This contrast illustrates how the same ritual—using holy water—can hold vastly different meanings in their respective cultural contexts.
Imagery: The imagery in the passage where Leon observes the "high blue mountains in the deep snow that reflected a faint red light from the west" evokes a sense of connection to the land and nature, which is central to Pueblo beliefs. This vivid depiction contrasts with the more structured and ritualistic view that Father Paul holds regarding afterlife and burial practices. The mountains and the light serve as symbols of the natural world’s influence on the Pueblo community, suggesting that their spirituality is grounded in their environment rather than in formal religious practices.
Characterization: The characterization of Father Paul as weary and concerned about ritual demonstrates his internal conflict between his faith and the cultural realities of the Pueblo people. His "scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock" serve as metaphors for his struggle to impart Catholic traditions in a world that may not hold the same values. In contrast, Leon's practical, down-to-earth demeanor reflects the Pueblo belief system that seeks harmony with nature and the cycles of life and death.
Conclusion
Through the symbolism of holy water, the use of dialogue, imagery, and characterization, Silko underscores the cultural differences between Father Paul and Leon. The story presents a respectful coexistence of beliefs, demonstrating how ritual and spirituality can manifest in unique ways that honor both the indigenous and Christian traditions. The ending, with Leon believing that the sprinkling of holy water will invoke rain, reinforces the idea that spiritual practices can bridge cultural divides when they center on respect for the deceased and a connection to the land.
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