The paragraph that struck me as a defining moment in this book is when she notices her shadow. She writes, "Before this peculiar experience I have no distinct memory of having recognized and vital bond between myself and my own shadow." This quote makes one think about what a shadow is. Is it a blurred part of yourself from which you can never be detached? Is her shadow a symbol of not truly being free? Could it be nature telling her that she is not as free as she thinks? Whatever one thinks it means it is a truly life-changing experience.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Lives of Selves
Zitkala-Sa writes of her life story with a simpleness that almost hides the deeper meaning of her words. While reading about her care free attitude I was astounded at the sense of freedom she felt. Because she lived in such an open environment, or because she thought she lived in an environment in which there was no danger, she felt like she was not tethered to things. Despite the warnings of her mother to be wary of the "pale faces" she was still allowed to frolic with her friends.
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3 comments:
I feel like the shadow along with the apple represents the temptation of the unknown. At an early point in her life, Zitkala-Sa eagerly pursues both without any true knowledge of what that end holds. Her unfamiliarity and thirst to capture both the apple and shadow symbolize the intrinsic temptations of the West and its ideals. All of these however depend on the naivete of the individuals who are drawn to these ultimately worthless pursuits. In the end, as with the pursuit of education and the apple, Zitkala-Sa's quest for the shadow ends with disappoinment.
I also like the fact the a shadow is always with you, but never is you. It could be part of what is known being a "Third Culture Kid" - that is, when you are born in one culture and live in another, you belong to a third culture: the first two mixed together. Maybe Zitkala-Sa's shadow is the part of her that is in neither White nor Indian culture, but is simply an image of her passing self....
The quote Casey brings up is definitely my favorite line in the book. Zitkala-Sa narrates that part with such innocence yet such a deep understanding. Regarding Casey's three questions, I believe the first one has the most accurate interpretation. A shadow represents a part of yourself, unique to only you, which you can never alter or escape. On a side note, a shadow has no distinct colors or features but still outlines yourself
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